Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced the formation of a high-level committee to devise a framework for the regularization of daily wagers and ad hoc employees in government departments. The decision, revealed during the ongoing budget session, aims to address the long-standing demands of thousands of workers seeking job security.
Key Details of the Announcement
The committee, headed by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, has been tasked with identifying the exact number of daily wagers and ad hoc employees, estimated to be between 65,000 and 100,000, depending on varying government records. The panel will also seek legal and financial inputs to formulate a comprehensive policy for their regularization. The report is expected to be submitted within six months, with the goal of presenting actionable recommendations in the next budget session.
A Humanitarian Approach
Calling the issue a “humanitarian and social concern”, Abdullah emphasized the need for a structured solution. He criticized the opposition for their inaction on the matter during their tenure, stating, “We have to start from zero. The BJP should have protested when the SRO-520 order for regularization was canceled, but instead, they are questioning us now.”
The Chief Minister also condemned the recent police action against protesting daily wagers, calling it “unnecessary” and urging the opposition to address such issues with the Raj Bhawan.
Political Reactions
The announcement has sparked a heated debate in the assembly, with the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition BJP blaming each other for the plight of daily wagers. While the BJP demanded immediate regularization, NC legislators accused the opposition of hypocrisy, highlighting their failure to address the issue during their tenure.
A Step Toward Resolution
This initiative marks a significant step toward resolving a decades-old issue that has affected thousands of workers in Jammu and Kashmir. The government’s commitment to addressing this concern reflects its focus on welfare and long-term growth.
Stay tuned for updates as the committee progresses in its efforts to bring relief to daily wagers and ad hoc employees in the region.
