Daily Wagers Demand Minimum Wages Act Implementation, Slam Political Apathy
Srinagar, Mar 25, KNT: The Jammu & Kashmir Casual Daily Workers Forum on Tuesday accused the government of failing to fulfill promises made to them and condemned the alleged police lathi charge against their protesting colleagues in Jammu.
Addressing the media in Srinagar, Forum President Sajad Parray expressed disappointment, stating, “We voted for the NC to fulfill our demands, not to be thrashed. Instead of addressing our issues, political parties are busy blaming each other in the Assembly.” He added that their protests have been ongoing for decades, including during the Mufti-led government, but their voices continue to be ignored.
Parray also recalled that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had invited them to Raj Bhawan and assured action, but those assurances remain unfulfilled. He criticized the present government for forming a committee to examine their demands but failing to take any concrete steps. “Now they have politicized our issue, with parties accusing each other instead of addressing our plight. Some even allege that casual laborers are ‘sponsored,’ which is a baseless and blatant lie,” he said.
The workers are demanding immediate implementation of the Minimum Wages Act until the committee finalizes its recommendations. “Despite facing numerous difficulties and errors in their employment status, we continue to fight for our rights,” Parray asserted.
The protesters have warned of intensified demonstrations if their demands are not met soon. [KNT]
