SRINAGAR (KIMS) — The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday rejected a private member’s bill moved by PDP MLA from Pulwama, Waheed Para, seeking regularisation of ad-hoc daily wagers, need-based and temporary workers.
The bill was turned down by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Leader of the House, soon after it was introduced.
Speaking after the rejection, Para said that all political parties, including NC, BJP and Congress, have discussed the issue of daily wagers, but mere speeches will not resolve the problem.
“There are around one lakh workers. Whenever there is a need — be it ambulance services, water supply or road repairs — we know whom to call. These are the same people working day and night, and every MLA and minister is aware of their contribution,” he said.
Para added that successive governments have engaged daily wagers over the years, but when it comes to salaries, the government questions their identity and seeks biometric verification.
He said the biometric process was initiated during the tenure of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, identifying nearly 70,000 daily wagers, followed by issuance of SRO 520 for their regularisation. However, the process was halted during Governor’s rule and remained unimplemented.
The PDP leader said the government has now restarted the same process and urged it to clearly state whether the workers will be regularised this year.
“If the government assures regularisation, we are ready to withdraw the bill. Otherwise, it becomes a mockery — bringing bills and withdrawing them while expecting speeches to solve the issue,” he said.
Highlighting financial concerns, Para said the government recently mentioned an additional grant of Rs 5,000 crore and a Rs 50,000 crore budget. “What would be the financial implications of providing Rs 10,000, Rs 20,000 salaries to these workers?” he asked.
Calling it a “grave and genuine issue,” Para said the matter is linked to the dignity of individuals.
He also criticised the government for opposing other welfare measures, including extension of school leases and providing small land allocations of 5–10 marlas to the poor people.
Referring to the recently passed land grants bill, he questioned whether it was meant only for influential sections like Gulmarg.
He added that when similar bill was brought by them, BJP termed that “land jihad,” while NC called that “land grabbing.”
Following heated arguments, PDP MLAs staged a walkout from the Assembly. — (KIMS)