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J&K CM Reveals Over 1 Lakh Daily Wagers in Govt, Pledges Regularisation

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Legislative Assembly that over 100,000 daily wagers and casual labourers are currently engaged by various state government departments. These workers have been registered through an online Aadhaar-based biometric identification system, with the highest concentration in the Public Health Engineering and Irrigation & Flood Control Department. A high-level committee was constituted last year to holistically examine the long-pending issue of their regularisation. The Chief Minister assured that the government is committed to a fair, transparent, and legally sustainable approach to resolve the matter.

Key Points: Over 1 Lakh Daily Wagers in J&K Govt Await Regularisation

  • Over 1 lakh daily wagers registered
  • Aadhaar-based biometric system used
  • High-level committee examining regularisation
  • PHE & Irrigation Dept has most workers
  • Process aims to be legally sound
2 min read

Over one lakh daily wagers, casual labourers working in various govt departments: J&K CM

J&K CM Omar Abdullah discloses 100,501 registered casual workers in govt departments, details their distribution, and outlines the legal process for regularisation.

"The government will consider its recommendations and take appropriate action in accordance with legal and financial propriety. - Omar Abdullah"

Jammu, Feb 18

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday that there are over one lakh daily wagers and casual labourers at present engaged by various government departments.

The Chief Minister assured the Assembly that a legally sustainable approach is being adopted for their regularisation.

In a written reply to a clubbed question by 15 members from the treasury and opposition benches, Omar Abdullah said a total of 1,00,501 workers have been registered through an online Aadhaar-based biometric identification and skill profiling system.

"The registered workforce includes 69,696 casual labourers, 8,836 daily rated workers, 8,534 seasonal labourers, 5,757 food and civil supplies helpers, 2,153 part-time sweepers and 1,929 persons engaged through the hospital development fund. The highest concentration of workers -- 38,585 -- is in the Public Health Engineering and Irrigation & Flood Control Department, followed by Power Development 13,616, Education 12,646, Forest 8,317 and Public Works (R&B) 6,801," he said.

A significant number of 4,868 are also engaged in Health and Medical Education; Agriculture 4,776; Animal and Sheep Husbandry 2,170; and Housing and Urban Development 1,702, and other departments, he said.

Of the 57,390 registered workers in the Kashmir division, Srinagar accounts for the highest number at 11,825, followed by Anantnag 8,823, Baramulla 7,724, Budgam 5,772, Kupwara 5,547, Ganderbal 4,056, Kulgam 3,321 and Bandipora 2,771.

Similarly, among the 40,077 registered workers in the Jammu zone, Jammu district tops the list with 13,425 workers, followed by Rajouri 5,191, Doda 3,856, Kathua 3,451, Reasi 3,210, Kishtwar 2,754, Udhampur 2,518, Poonch 2,455, Samba 1,722 and Ramban 1,495.

Amid concerns over long-pending regularisation, CM Abdullah said a high-level committee was constituted on March 19 last year to examine the issue holistically.

"The committee is undertaking a detailed examination in consultation with concerned departments. The government will consider its recommendations and take appropriate action in accordance with legal and financial propriety," the chief minister said.

Reiterating his government's commitment to a fair and transparent process, the chief minister said the time taken does not reflect administrative apathy but the need for a legally sound and financially sustainable approach.

CM Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said he understands the problems of daily wagers and instead of threatening an agitation, their representatives should meet him directly to resolve issues.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good that they are using Aadhaar-based biometric system for registration. This brings transparency and prevents ghost workers. But the real test is regularisation. "Legally sustainable approach" should not become an excuse for infinite delays. These people need job security and benefits. 🙏
A
Arjun K
The breakdown by department is revealing. PHE & Irrigation has the most workers. Shows how crucial these basic services are, and they are run by casual labour. Regularising them will improve service delivery too. A stable workforce is a productive workforce.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the CM's assurance, I have to respectfully point out that "time taken does not reflect administrative apathy" is a phrase often heard. For the worker waiting for 10-15 years, it feels exactly like apathy. The process needs clear, public timelines.
V
Vikram M
The sheer scale across all districts, from Srinagar to Kishtwar, shows this is a pan-J&K issue affecting urban and rural areas alike. This isn't just a Srinagar or Jammu city problem. The government's solution must be equitable for all regions.
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Nikhil C
Good step by CM sahab to ask representatives to meet directly instead of agitating. Dialogue is always better. But the meetings should yield results, not just be for show. These workers are the backbone of many departments. They deserve dignity and permanent status. 💪

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