Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 1: Dismayed with the Government’s role in dealing with lakhs of labourers working in different sectors in the state, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) today said the labour laws in the state are being brazenly flouted and their woes are on an upsurge in absence of proper state planning.
Terming Jammu and Kashmir worst example in exploiting human resources, the CITU said the destitute lot engaged in the Government sector as ad-hoc, casual and contract employees were earning monthly wages which doesn’t qualify under the Minimum Wage Act.
“The dismal pay scale offers little for families dependent on the workers for their survival. ASHA and Anganwadi workers; daily-rated, casual, need based and contractual labourers- all fall in the same unfortunate category,” CITU State president Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami said.
He said: “As far as the neglect of labour class and Minimum Wages Act is concerned, Jammu and Kashmir is the worst example.”
Scores of labourers took out rallies at different places across Kashmir, but the main venue for the largest rally at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, Srinagar was cancelled due to the shut down called by Hurriyat.
However, daily wagers in PHE Department took out a rally in Shopian district and raised slogans against the Government for failing to redress their demands.
Tarigami demanded that ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and helpers be brought under Minimum Wages Act and covered under social security benefits including gratuity, pension, provident fund etc. “The casual labourers, daily wagers, need based and seasonal workers working in different departments should be regularized and paid their pending wages,” he demanded.
He said that the Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service Act, 1996 was introduced to protect the right of labourers working in construction jobs adopted by state in 2006.
“However, there is no implementation of the Act on the ground as a result of which labourers are denied benefits,” he said.
CITU demanded immediate redressal of the demands of Four Lane tunnel workers, Horticulture Employees, PDD Daily wagers, Centaur Hotel Employees, Aircel Security Guards, J&K Bank Gardeners, Mid-day Meal Workers and Contingency Paid Workers.
It demanded seriousness on part the Government towards the demands of State employees which include removal of pay anomalies, regularization of contractual employees etc.
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