In a significant move to address the concerns of daily wage and casual workers in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced the formation of a high-level committee. This committee, led by the Chief Secretary, will conduct an extensive data collection process to determine the exact number of such workers, their tenure, and appointing authorities. The initiative aims to finalize a legal and financial roadmap, which will be discussed in the upcoming budget.

Government’s Commitment to Daily Wage Workers

During his budget reply in the Legislative Assembly, Omar Abdullah emphasized that his government is committed to finding a permanent solution for daily-rated workers, ad-hoc employees, and contractual laborers. He criticized the previous PDP-BJP administration for failing to provide substantial relief to these workers, pointing out that only 570 out of an estimated 61,000 daily wagers were regularized under their tenure.

Formation of a High-Level Committee

To ensure a structured approach to resolving this long-standing issue, a committee has been constituted. This committee includes:

• The Chief Secretary as the head
• Additional Chief Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO)
• Administrative Secretaries of Planning, General Administration Department, and Law

The committee has been tasked with assessing the total number of daily wagers, analyzing legal and financial aspects, and presenting a viable policy framework. The finalized plan will be incorporated into the next budget session.

Read also: J&K Government to Prepare Database of Casual and Daily Wage Workers: A Step Towards Regularization

Legal and Financial Roadmap for Daily Wagers

Recognizing the Supreme Court’s ruling on employment regularization, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of aligning the policy with legal mandates. The Law Department will be actively involved in framing the strategy, ensuring compliance with judicial directives. The government plans to finalize the framework within six months, after which a clear roadmap for daily wage workers will be implemented.

Criticism of Previous Governments’ Handling of Daily Wage Workers

Omar Abdullah held the previous PDP-BJP government accountable for neglecting the plight of daily wage workers. He pointed out contradictions in their budget speeches, which claimed that financial constraints hindered the regularization process. He also criticized the introduction of SRO 520, which led to the regularization of only a fraction of daily wagers, and the subsequent abolition of SRO 420, which further worsened the situation.

Acknowledgment of Daily Wage Workers’ Struggles

Highlighting the struggles of daily wage workers, the Chief Minister classified their issues as both social and humanitarian concerns rather than merely financial burdens on the government. He acknowledged that past governments, including his own, had failed to resolve the problem fully but reassured workers that the current administration is committed to finding a lasting solution.

Budget Priorities and Financial Support from the Centre

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their financial assistance to Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing criticisms from opposition parties regarding central funding, he admitted that the region is not financially self-sufficient but is working towards economic stability.

Omar Abdullah detailed the financial challenges the government faces, emphasizing that while Rs 35,000 crore is allocated for capital expenditure, nearly Rs 70,000 crore is required for revenue expenses, primarily salaries. He outlined the administration’s focus on boosting revenue through initiatives in the power sector, industrial estates, tourism, startups, and entrepreneurship.

Countering Opposition’s Criticism

Responding to BJP MLAs’ claims that all government schemes in J&K are funded by the Centre, Omar Abdullah clarified that states contribute significantly to centrally sponsored schemes. He used the Golden Card health scheme as an example, explaining that while the Centre covers expenses for BPL families, the state government bears the costs for other beneficiaries.

A New Vision for Jammu and Kashmir

The Chief Minister emphasized that his government is laying the foundation for a prosperous future. He acknowledged that while the budget may not fulfill all promises immediately, it serves as a stepping stone for long-term development. He assured citizens that the administration is working towards self-sufficiency and economic growth over the next five years.

He also addressed criticisms of his budget speech being labeled a “love letter” by opposition parties, asserting that his commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir is unwavering. He pledged to continue working in their best interests and dismissed pessimistic views about the region’s financial future.

Omar Abdullah concluded his address by reiterating that the budget is designed to benefit the underprivileged first, with a structured plan for economic growth. He assured that his government’s priority remains the welfare of the people, particularly those struggling with financial instability.

The upcoming budget is expected to provide much-needed clarity on the regularization of daily wage workers and outline a sustainable path for Jammu and Kashmir’s financial and social development. With the government’s renewed commitment, daily wage workers can expect a more stable and secure future in the region.