‘Something is better than the hollow promises of the previous regimes’
Srinagar: In a major development, the PDP-BJP government finally notified a much awaited policy for “regular engagement” of casual, seasonal and other thousands of workers who were working on a meagre irregular daily wages.
The thousands of labourers engaged by the successive governments see the decision as “historic” as it brings a major relief to the workers and also alleviates financial sufferings of their families.
The labors who are working in various government departments have welcomed the decision and the SRO 520 issued by the government.
The labourers said the decision by the Government provides sustainable and regular livelihood to them.
The daily labours said that them it is very difficult for them to find any other permanent job in the state where private industrial sector is not in organised and well progressive.
“I have been working in electrical department as a casual labour from the last more than 14 years. It was very depressing for me to work on a meager wages which were paid quote irregularly. I appreciate this decision of government as I will be entitled regular monthly wages and some other benefits under the engagement which were not there as a casual labour,” a casual labour said.
PDD Daily wagers president Muhammad Shafi said that he applauded the decision taken by the chief minister and the finance minister.
“No government would have taken such a better decision for us. All our demands have been met. We are satisfied and appreciate it,” Shafi, who represents 13412 daily wagers of the state in PDD.
Manzoor Pampori, president of Urban Local Bodies employees said that the SRO does not cover the workers of 26 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and urban local bodies.
“The new policy is akin to bonded labour and covers only increment of wages. It does not enumerate transfer policy, job security, service book and many other job emoluments as are paid to the other employees of the state,” Pampori said, expressing his dissatisfaction with the policy.
People believe that the decision is a constructive step by government as it will help address growing unemployment in the state.
“Something is better than the hollow promises of the previous regimes,” Ajaz Ahmad, a daily wager in PHE said.
PDP senior leader and minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Zulfkar Choudhary said that the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has fulfilled the promise which PDP had made during the elections.
Insiders in the PDP said that the Mehbooba Mufti was very keen to fulfill this commitment to provide relief to the thousands of these workers.
Announcing the decision on twitter, she tweeted, “Providing jobs and skill development is paramount for the development of the state”.
Nearly 60 thousand employees will be regularised which will ease nearly five lakh people across the state.
According to the SRO-520, nine categories of labourers including daily-rated, casual, seasonal, HDF (Hospital Development Fund) and local fund workers, NYCs, land donors, ITI workers and ad-hoc/contractual appointees left-out under the J&K Civil Services (special provisions) Act 2010 for want of eligibility criteria, will benefit from the Regularization Policy.
As per the policy, the daily wagers will be designated as General Service Assistants (GSAs) after regularisation and will be paid monthly remuneration of Rs 10000 and a maximum of Rs 24000 depending on their skills and length of engagement, entitled to an annual hike of 3% on remuneration, shall be covered under NPS along-with Employer’s Share to be contributed by the Govt and shall be entitled to Leave & Medical Reimbursement benefits.
(With inputs from KNS)
