J&K Daily Wagers Announce Assembly Gherao on Sept 28 Demanding Regularisation and Wage Hike
Escalating their agitation for long-pending demands, casual and daily-wage workers in Jammu and Kashmir have declared their intent to ‘gherao’ the Legislative Assembly on September 28. The workforce is pressing the government for immediate regularisation, enhanced wages, and the implementation of pension benefits.
A massive protest was staged today at Polo View Park under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir Casual/Daily Wagers Forum (JKCDF), spearheaded by its president, Sajad Ahmed Parray.
This significant demonstration coincides with the ongoing session of the J&K Legislative Assembly. Recently, the government disclosed in the House that 1,00,501 casual and daily-rated workers have been officially registered utilizing Aadhaar-based biometric verification and skill profiling. Furthermore, authorities noted that a special committee formed in March 2025 is currently evaluating the legal, financial, and humanitarian dimensions of regularising these employees.
Speaking to the gathered workers, Parray strongly criticized the administrative delays and demanded equitable treatment regarding remuneration and retirement benefits.
“If government committees can submit their reports promptly, why is our committee’s report stalled? If officials are entitled to the old pension scheme, why are we denied the same?” Parray asked the administration.
Highlighting the severe impact of inflation, Parray contrasted the plight of the struggling workers with that of lawmakers. “If an MLA’s salary can be hiked from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, why is there no wage enhancement for a daily wager who is bearing the brunt of inflation?” he questioned.
Expressing dismay over the silence of elected representatives, civil society, and various organizations regarding the workers’ plight, the JKCDF president urged them to break their silence and support the upcoming September 28 march. He reminded the public of the critical role these workers played on the frontlines during emergencies, including the devastating floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“What great crime are you punishing us for? What crime have we committed after serving the government and the people during their most difficult times?” he added.
Concluding the rally, Parray appealed for maximum participation in the upcoming Assembly gherao and warned authorities against stifling their democratic voices. The protesting workers reiterated their commitment to peaceful agitation until their legitimate and long-standing grievances are conclusively resolved.
