Srinagar, Aug 31 : The Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC), Jammu and Kashmir, has once again drawn the attention of the Government towards the long-pending issue of regularization of daily wagers, daily-rated workers, casual labourers and other temporary employees engaged in different departments, urging that the matter be taken to its logical conclusion through a clear and time-bound policy.
In a statement Senior Trade Union Leader and President EJAC, Fayaz Ahmad Shabnam, said that the issue of regularization has remained unresolved for years despite repeated assurances given by the various governments from time to time. He said that thousands of workers who have been continuously performing their assigned duties for years are still awaiting a permanent solution to their uncertain employment status.
Mr. Shabnam particularly recalled that the present Government has also acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and has given an assurance on the floor of the Legislative Assembly that the concerns of daily wagers would be addressed and the issue would be resolved. He said that such a commitment made on the floor of the House has generated fresh hope among thousands of affected workers and their families, who are now looking towards the Government for a conclusive action.
Mr. Shabnam said that these employees are seeking a fair and dignified resolution to an issue that has affected their livelihood and future for a very long period. He stated that many of these workers have spent a substantial portion of their productive years serving government departments. During this period, they have continued to discharge responsibilities despite uncertainty regarding their employment, limited wages and the absence of the benefits and security available to regular employees.With rising costs of living, education, healthcare and other essential household expenses, the existing wages have become increasingly inadequate to meet even basic requirements.
Mr. Shabnam also pointed out that the Government has from time to time, constituted committees and entered into understandings with EJAC regarding the regularization of different categories of temporary workers. However, the absence of a comprehensive and implementable mechanism has resulted in the issue remaining unresolved.
Mr. Shabnam urged the Government to initiate a structured, transparent and time-bound process for framing appropriate modalities for their regularization.
Mr. Shabnam also emphasized that while the process of regularization is being worked out, the Government should consider immediate enhancement of wages and improvement of service conditions of daily wagers and other temporary workers so that they are able to cope with the present economic circumstances. He said that the Government should also ensure that the issue is examined department-wise and category-wise so that no genuine worker is left out merely because of procedural or administrative complications.
Fayaz Ahmad Shabnam said that the workers have demonstrated patience for a very long time and have continued to perform their duties with dedication despite the uncertainty surrounding their future. He expressed hope that the present Government would give the matter the priority it deserves and take concrete steps without any further avoidable delay. He reiterated that EJAC remains committed to pursuing the issue through constitutional, democratic and peaceful means and will continue to engage with the Government and concerned authorities until a fair, comprehensive and lasting solution is reached.
ejMr. Shabnam expressed confidence that the Government would honour its commitment and take the necessary administrative and policy measures to bring an end to the prolonged uncertainty faced by thousands of daily wagers and their families across Jammu and Kashmir. These daily wagers have struggled for a long time, and EJAC has always stood with them shoulder to shoulder, in their struggle. EJAC has been, and will continue to be with them until their legitimate rights are secured.
