PDD Daily Wagers Begin Hunger Strike as Protest Enters 12th Day, Demand Immediate Regularization

JAMMU, July 7 – As the ongoing agitation of daily-rated workers from the Power Development Department (PDD) entered its twelfth consecutive day without any resolution in sight, the protesting employees escalated their protest on Sunday by launching a hunger strike. The move comes in a bid to draw the attention of the administration towards their long-pending demands, particularly the regularization of services and clearance of wage arrears.

The protest, spearheaded by Akhil Sharma under the banner of the All J&K PDD, PDL, TDL and Other Workers Union, commenced on June 26 outside the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) headquarters at Bahu Plaza. Workers from multiple districts across Jammu province have joined the demonstration in solidarity.

At the core of their demands is the immediate grant of financial concurrence for the regularization of 557 daily wagers. Their regularization cases, already vetted by the Law Department, have been approved by the Board of Directors (BOD) of JPDCL and are based on long-established Regularization Rules. However, the delay in financial approval has stalled the entire process, causing deep frustration and unrest among the workers.

In a significant escalation of their protest, the agitating workers began an indefinite hunger strike to underline the seriousness of their demands and the continued neglect by the authorities. Amidst chants and placards condemning the apathy of the JPDCL management, the workers accused the department of deliberately delaying justice despite all procedural approvals being in place.

Union leaders lashed out at the bureaucracy for allowing the issue to fester for years, citing that the policy for regularization was formulated over three years ago. They questioned the logic behind holding up implementation even after legal and administrative clearances had been obtained. Adding to their woes is the prolonged non-payment of wages, which has pushed many of these workers and their families into financial distress.

The protesting workers have also halted their work duties, warning that any interruptions in power supply would be a direct consequence of the management’s failure to act in time. They reminded the administration of their critical role in maintaining power infrastructure under dangerous and challenging conditions, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Calling for urgent intervention, the union reiterated its demand for immediate redressal of all grievances, including wage disbursement and regularization. They urged the government to uphold the dignity of labor and fulfil promises made to frontline workers who have dedicated years of service under trying circumstances.

With no breakthrough yet, the workers have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met, setting the stage for further intensification of the protest in the coming days.

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