Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma has said that Government was committed to address the issues of Daily Wagers, CP Workers and contractual working in different departments in a phased manner. He said Government’s financial position is well known to the employees, but still efforts are being made to mitigate their problems.Addressing a one-day convention organized by the J&K National Trade Union Front (JKNTUF) in the Auditorium of Polytechnic College, here today, the Minister said that over 26000 manpower has been engaged alone in PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control Department during the past two decades to make operational various PHE & irrigation schemes across the State. He said these workers are performing their duties regularly and they deserve regularization. He said the regularization of such workers is a policy issue and Government will take an appropriate decision on this sensitive issue as the information has been consolidated. With regard to such workers in other departments, the Minister said that a collective view will be taken by the Government after making the provision of their wages in the budget, said the Minister.
Appreciating the trade unions for their role in highlighting the issues of employees, the Minister said that in democratic countries like India, every section has right to struggle for their right in a democratic way. He advised the Union leaders to work with close coordination with the Government in resolving the burning issues of the employees. He said Government was always open to dialogue and does not believe in confrontation with the employees, but due to numerous constraints it is not possible to agree their all demands. However, this is a continue process and their issues will be addressed in phased manner, said Mr. Sham.President, JKNTUF, Mr. Mohammad Gafoor Dar also addressed the gathering and highlighted the issues confronted by the employees. The demands included, regularization policy for all casual labourers, need based and ITI trained workers in PHE, PWD and Soil Conservation who have been engaged after 1994 and release of their pending wages, release of pending honorarium of ICDS/anganwari workers, change of designation of helpers of Irrigation & Flood Control, Wildlife as per cabinet decision, release of pending installment of DA and enhancement of medical allowance upto Rs. 1000/- per month and implementation of the agreement signed between the Government and JCC.He urged the Minister to use his good offices in addressing these issues on priority. He expressed his gratitude to the Minister for supporting the demands of the employees in past.A large number of employees and Members of the JKNTUF from across the State participated in the convention.