Srinagar, Feb 10: CPI(M) leader Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami has strongly criticized the administration for failing to fulfill its long-standing promise of regularizing daily wagers, casual labourers, scheme workers, and contractual employees across various government departments. Expressing deep concern over their plight and financial distress, he condemned the government’s inaction, stating that these workers are already suffering due to months-long non-payment of wages.
Hundreds of these temporary workers staged a protest at Press Enclave Srinagar today, demanding justice and immediate action on their demands. However, instead of addressing their concerns, security forces resorted to lathi charge, detaining several protesters, an act that Tarigami called “unjust and oppressive.”
Tarigami highlighted that thousands of daily wagers and casual labourers are the backbone of essential services, ensuring the implementation of government schemes and policies. Despite their tireless efforts and dedication, their employment remains uncertain, as successive governments have failed to regularize them despite repeated assurances.
He lamented that even after completing all necessary formalities as required by authorities, these workers continue to be denied their rightful status.
The CPI(M) leader criticized the government for neglecting the weaker and marginalized sections of society, pushing them further into financial distress. Many of these workers are the sole breadwinners of their families and are now struggling to make ends meet.
“How will they survive if they are not paid their wages on time? High inflation has already made daily life unbearable. Until their regularization, these workers must at least be brought under the purview of the Minimum Wages Act, ensuring fair compensation for their labour,” Tarigami asserted.
Standing in solidarity with the protesting daily wagers and casual labourers, Tarigami demanded the immediate release of those detained during today’s protest. He reassured the workers of his unwavering support in their struggle for justice and fair treatment.
He urged the administration to act without delay, address their genuine grievances, and implement the long-overdue policy of regularizing temporary workers, ensuring that their rights are safeguarded and their contributions acknowledged.