Srinagar, 2 November (H.S.): The Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) today expressed concern over the Government’s “failure” to furnish the report of the committee constituted to address the issues of daily wagers.

EJAC also criticized the Government for not allowing bills concerning the regularization and welfare of daily wagers to be tabled in the Assembly, calling it a “serious setback” to thousands of workers waiting for justice.

Addressing a press conference here, EJAC President Wajahat Hussain and General Secretary Sajad Ahmad Parray, along with heads of various constituent organizations, said the committee was directed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to submit its report within six months.

“However, even after eight months have elapsed, the report has not been furnished,” the leaders said, adding that keeping the matter open-ended was contrary to the timeline fixed by the Chief Minister.

The EJAC leadership also refuted reports suggesting that the number of daily wagers in J&K stands at one lakh.

They clarified that as per official records, around 61,000 daily wagers had already been scrutinized by the Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by the then Finance Minister A.R. Rather up to 2014.

“While the figure may have increased since then, all such employees must be regularized in line with the Government’s policy and eligibility norms,” the leaders said.

The organization further pointed out that a ban on new engagements has been in place since 2015, and no fresh appointments have been authorized thereafter.

It urged the Chief Minister to implement minimum wages at par with the Union Territory of Ladakh until the regularization process is completed.

EJAC also appealed to the Chief Secretary to expedite submission of the pending committee report “in the interest of justice.”

President Wajahat Hussain emphasized that not all categories of temporary employees should be clubbed together, stating that “those recruited under proper Government policy deserve regularization.”

He reiterated that the documents of 61,000 daily wagers had already been scrutinized by various committees, and that EJAC continues to advocate the regularization of all such employees who have served with dedication for years.

EJAC also urged the Chief Minister to fulfill the commitments made to employees through the election manifesto and his speech in the Assembly in March 2025, stressing that “sincerity and political will” are essential to resolving the long-pending issue.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar