Seasonal Labourers Protest in Awantipora, Demand Release of Pending Wages and Job Security

Press Trust of Kashmir/ Basharat Rashid

Pulwama, 15 April: A group of seasonal labourers from the Mechanical Irrigation Department staged a protest demonstration in Awantipora on Monday. The labourers voiced their concerns over the authorities’ failure to address their issues, primarily focusing on the release of their pending wages and the need for a transition from seasonal to yearly appointments.

The delegation of labourers led by association president Sajad Ahmad highlighted the prolonged delay in receiving their wages, which according to them, has resulted in significant hardships for them and their families.

They emphasized the urgency of addressing their grievances and ensuring that their pending wages are released promptly.

“We have been facing hardships as out of 350 seasonal labourers, only 100 labourers were considered for full time appointment, while rest of the labourers face tough time. Moreover, pending wages are withheld for a long time and are not being released,” Sajad Ahmad said.

Furthermore, the labourers expressed their desire for a more stable employment arrangement, advocating for a transition from seasonal appointments to yearly contracts.

They requested the concerned authorities particularly Chief Engineer of the department to respond to the demands put forth by them at the earliest.