Daily Wagers Stage Protest Near Press Club, Demand Regularization and Pending Wages
Anganwadi, ASHA, and Jal Shakti Workers Unite in Jammu for Three-Day Protest
- 70,000 Workers Await Regularization as Jammu Sees Massive Protest Dharna
Jammu, Oct 24: Hundreds of daily wage workers from various government departments staged a massive protest dharna near the Press Club in Jammu on Friday, demanding immediate regularization of their services, release of pending wages, and full implementation of the Minimum Wages Act across Jammu and Kashmir.
The protest, organized under the banner of the All J&K Daily Wagers Sangarsh Samiti and led by its president Sunnykant Chib, saw participation from daily wagers representing multiple sectors, including Mid-Day Meal workers from the Education Department, ASHA and Health Department workers, CP and ITI workers from the Jal Shakti (PHE) Department, Anganwadi workers and helpers from the Social Welfare Department, as well as Home Guards, Malis, and Chowkidars from various districts.
Holding banners and placards, the demonstrators raised slogans against what they termed as “administrative neglect” and vowed to continue their protest for three days if their long-pending demands are not addressed. The protesters criticized the government for failing to implement the Minimum Wages Act on par with the Union Territory of Ladakh and other regions despite repeated assurances.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunnykant Chib said, “For years, we have been making representations to senior officials and government authorities. Each time, we have received nothing but hollow promises. The government has failed to act on its assurances regarding our regularization and the release of pending wages. We will not be silenced anymore.”
He accused the administration of turning a blind eye to the struggles of thousands of workers who have served the departments tirelessly for decades without job security or fair wages. “Our contribution keeps the system running, yet we are denied even basic dignity. If the government does not take immediate action, we will be forced to intensify our agitation across the Union Territory,” he warned.
Other union leaders also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the daily wagers’ movement is not merely about financial grievances but about restoring fairness and respect to the workforce that forms the backbone of essential public services.
Protesters pointed out that while the government frequently cites financial constraints, it continues to engage new contractual and outsourced workers, leaving long-serving daily wagers in limbo. They demanded that the government table the regularization policy in the ongoing Assembly session to ensure justice for nearly 70,000 workers across departments.
