Without salaries since July 2014: Casual Labourers of Tourism Department stage protest in South Kashmir

5 Dariya News

Anantnag 13-Jun-2016

Demanding immediate release of their pending salaries and regularisation of their services, scores of casual labourers engaged by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department held a protest demonstration outside District Magistrate Anantnag on Monday.The protestors while seeking the personal intervention of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti  in the matter presented a detailed memorandum to the District Magistrate.“Since July 2014 our salaries have not been paid and we are virtually starving,” said a casual labour to CNS. He said the department has engaged 120 casual labourers.“We demand our pending salaries be released immediately and our services be regularised. For this we appeal intervention of Chief Minister,” the protesters said, while shouting anti-government slogans.The protestors alleged tourism department hired 350 casual staff in recent past despite a complete ban on engagement of casual labours. “The new casual staff is being paid salaries on time,” they said.Protesters accused tourism department of putting their lives at stake. “Without salaries, how are we going to feed our families? Our children are not able to attend schools as we are not in a position to pay their tuition fees,” protestors said. (CNS)