Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 1: The Consolidated Health Workers Union J&K in collaboration with Jammu & Kashmir RTI Movement (JKRTIM) today held a massive protest outside the office of the Directorate of Health Kashmir.
The health workers which include consolidated and part-time sweepers, helpers, and drivers were demanding implementation of the Minimum Wages Act in the health department.
Chairman RTI Movement Dr Raja Muzaffar who led the protest said that the Government enacts laws like the Minimum Wages Act and violates the same.
“Consolidated workers in the health department like sweepers, helpers and drivers who risked their lives were being paid as less as Rs 100 or Rs 500 per month which is an act of Bonded Labour,” he said.
He said that if some private institution would be involved in violating the minimum wages act, the institution would be exposed by Govt but, “who will make Govt accountable when they are paying mere Rs 100 or Rs 500 to its workers some of whom are working in the department for last 20 to 30 years,” he said.
Patron of Consolidated Health Workers Gulzar Ahmad Chopan, Chairman Abdul Ahad Sheikh and Sajad Ahmad Parray Chairman Casual Daily-wagers
Forum also addressed the protesting workers and urged upon Govt to implement the Minimum Wages Act by paying consolidated workers @ Rs 6700 per month in the first instance and then regularizing the services of the workers who have served the health department for the last 10 years or more.
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