Omar led Govt Committed to Safeguarding labourers/Workers’ Rights: Dy CM Surinder Choudhary

Jammu, May 1: Senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday asserted that protecting labourers/ workers’ rights remains the cornerstone of the Omar led government.

He made these remarks while addressing a massive gathering on the occasion of International Labour Day (May Day) at the party’s provincial headquarter, Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu. The function was chaired by Thakur Nar Singh,  President of the State Central labour union wing, while Additional General Secretary Ajay Sadhotra and Provincial President (Jammu) Rattan Lal Gupta attended as guests of honour.

In his address, Choudhary, the chief guest on the occasion, emphasized that the government is prioritizing the welfare of labourers and the working class through a combination of legislative measures and policy initiatives. He noted that special focus is being given to both organised and unorganized  labourers/ workers.

Highlighting key initiatives, he said the government has taken up the regularisation of over 60,000 daily wagers as a priority. He further stated that more than 30,000 vacant government posts are being filled through the Public Service Commission (PSC) and Services Selection Board (SSB) to ensure a transparent recruitment process.

To boost employment, Choudhary added that the government is actively promoting private sector job creation through skill development programmes and startup initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment. He also informed that a high-powered committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, has been constituted to devise a phased and transparent roadmap for the regularisation of daily wagers, casual labourers, and seasonal workers.

Additionally, he noted that over ₹30 crore has been sanctioned for construction workers, covering assistance for education, chronic illnesses, and disability. The Cabinet has also approved a 3% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees, effective from July 2025.

Ajay Kumar Sadhotra described workers as the backbone of the region’s economy and progress, praising their dedication, resilience, and sacrifices. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and livelihoods of fixed-income groups, daily wage earners, and artisans.

Speaking on the occasion, Rattan Lal Gupta highlighted the National Conference’s long-standing commitment to the dignity of labour. He recalled that the party’s historical manifesto advocated equal wages for women in industries, the right to choose any profession, and protection from unsuitable heavy labour.

The speakers also paid rich tributes to labourers across the world for their contributions to nation-building especially the 1886 Martyrs of Chicago who laid their lives for the right of the labourers.

Later, Thakur Nar Singh presented a memorandum to the Deputy Chief Minister, seeking effective measures to protect the interests of workers in both organised and unorganised sectors, particularly emphasizing the strict implementation of the Minimum Wages Act.

Among others who were present included : Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu, Dr. Chaman Lal Bhagat former MLA, Bimla Luthra former MLA, Bushan Lal Bhat former MLC, Deepinder Kour former MLC, Ayub Malik Provincial Secretary Jammu, Abdul Gani Teli  Chairman OBC Cell, Dr. Shamshad Shan former DDC Chairperson, Laxmi Datta Senior leader, Rajni Devi working President Women Wing, Chander Mohan Sharma District President Jammu Urban, Subash Chander Bhagat District President Jammu Rural “A”, Rita Gupta, Dilshad Malik Central Zone Vice Presidents, Sandeep Singh Wazir Additional Spokesperson Jammu, Showkat Choudhary District President Samba ST Cell, Deep Mehra, Karan Singh, Vinod Tak,  Shiv Kumar Bamotra, Sheikh Ajaz, Ajaz Lone, Ashwani Charak, Surinder Singh Jamwal, Joginder Kour, Sapna Gill Block President Jammu East Women Wing,  Rahul Attri, Prabha Slathia and others.