Daily wagers stage protest in Jammu, demand minimum wage and permanent status

JAMMU — Thousands of daily wagers from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir staged a protest in Jammu on Monday, demanding implementation of minimum wage provisions and permanent status for those who have completed the required period of service and fulfil the eligibility criteria.

The protesters sought implementation of the Minimum Wages Act, a law intended to ensure that workers covered by its provisions are paid at least the minimum wage fixed by the government for their category of employment.

Raising slogans in support of their demands, the workers said they had continued working for government departments and other establishments for years without receiving the job security enjoyed by regular employees.

"We are not asking for anything extraordinary. We are demanding the minimum wage prescribed by law and a fair policy for those daily wagers who have completed the required service and are eligible for permanent status," protesters said.

Another group of workers said prolonged engagement on a daily-wage basis had left thousands of families uncertain about their future.

"Many of us have spent years doing the same work, but we still do not know what our future is. We want the government to settle the issue instead of keeping workers waiting year after year," they said.

The protesters demanded that the government undertake a comprehensive assessment of daily wagers, identify those eligible for regularisation or permanent status, and establish a clear timeline for resolving their cases.

They also urged the administration to ensure that wage payments comply with applicable statutory provisions and that workers are not left vulnerable to prolonged uncertainty over their employment.

The article first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse at https://kashmirpulse.com/jk/kashmir/daily-wagers-stage-protest-in-jammu-demand-minimum-wage-and-permanent-status/115196.html