Daily-wage workers protest in Srinagar, demand regularization and higher wages
Long-pending demands remain unresolved despite repeated demonstrations
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), casual and daily-wage workers from different government departments staged a protest in Srinagar today, demanding regularization of their services and enhancement of wages.
The protest was organized by the IIOJK Casual/Daily Wagers Forum and led by its president, Sajad Ahmed Parray.
The protesting workers said their demands for regularization and better wages had remained unresolved for years and urged the administration to take concrete measures to address their grievances.
The demonstration was held as the the IIOJK Legislative Assembly discussed matters concerning temporary and daily-wage workers. The National Conference-led government has informed the House that it is working towards a uniform framework for regularizing temporary workers, including daily-rated employees.
It has also said that a committee constituted in March 2025 is examining the humanitarian, legal and financial aspects associated with regularization.
The workers urged the government to expedite the process and take immediate steps to resolve their long-pending issues concerning wages and job regularization.
Daily wage workers have repeatedly staged protests over their long-pending demands, but the authorities’ continued indifference to their grievances has fueled frustration among them. The prolonged neglect also raises questions over the Indian government’s claims of good governance and effective administration in IIOJK. The situation is further reflected in the persistent difficulties faced by Kashmiris in accessing basic necessities, including water, electricity and adequate road infrastructure.
