Fair wages, dignity basic right of marginalised workers: Qayoom Wani

Srinagar, Dec 2: The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, today said that the fair wages and dignity is the basic right and not privilege of the marginalised workers.

In a statement he criticised the exclusion of aayas, contingent-paid workers, and cooks in the education department from the benefits of the Minimum Wages Act. “This is a clear violation of labor laws and exploitation of vulnerable workers,” he said.

Wani added that these employees, primarily from poor and below-poverty-line families, serve with dedication despite their meager earnings. “Most cooks and Aayas are widows and orphans, making their neglect even more unjust. JKCSF urges the government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to address their plight and ensure fair wages and social security ,”he said.

“Injustice to these employees is unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with them and will provide moral and physical support if needed,” Wani said.