JAMMU, Jul 11: The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), Jammu & Kashmir UT, on Saturday urged the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and senior administrative authorities to take immediate steps to address several long-pending labour and public welfare issues affecting workers across the Union Territory.
Addressing a press conference, INTUC JKUT President Shiv Kumar Sharma, accompanied by Faiz Akbar, Chairman INTUC Sewa Dal; Naveed Ashraf Kichloo, Organisational Secretary; Mangal Dass, Chairman SC Cell; and Danish, General Secretary of the INTUC Youth Wing, expressed concern over what they termed administrative inaction on key labour-related matters.
“Thousands of workers are waiting for justice. The government must immediately regularise temporary employees, release pending wages and ensure dignity, safety and fair treatment for the working class. Good governance should translate into tangible relief for labourers and common citizens,” Sharma said.
The union demanded the regularisation of daily wagers, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and other temporary employees, stating that many have retired while awaiting permanent appointments despite earlier government assurances.
INTUC also sought the immediate release of pending wages of daily wagers and payments under the MGNREGA/GRAMG schemes, including dues of labourers, masons and material suppliers.
The organisation alleged that promotions of non-gazetted employees in the Jal Shakti Department have remained stalled for nearly eight years due to the non-convening of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC), and demanded immediate action.
Raising concerns over the living conditions of workers engaged in hydroelectric projects in the Chenab Valley, the union alleged that labourers were being housed in overcrowded and unhygienic accommodations and called upon the Kishtwar administration to inspect labour camps and enforce statutory labour laws.
INTUC also demanded improved safety measures, CCTV surveillance and overhead water storage tanks at major water filling stations, including Narwal, Company Bagh and the Sports Stadium, to reduce water wastage and improve public safety.
The union further sought an inquiry into the alleged misuse of Jal Shakti Department property in Kishtwar for private purposes and urged the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister to ensure accountability and restore public access to government facilities.