The Diplomat Desk
Jammu :TDD,Casual laborers and daily wage workers of the Public Works (R&B) Department staged a one-day protest demonstration outside the Chief Engineer’s office at Lok Nirman Bhawan, Rail Head Complex, Jammu. The protest highlighted the long-standing demand for regularization of workers who have served the department for over two decades.
The protesting workers, who number 2,272 in the Jammu Division alone, serve in various capacities including computer operators, draftsmen, drivers, cooks, plumbers, and electricians. Many of these workers are responsible for managing critical departmental operations, including online portals such as JK tenders, BEAM, Paysys, and Parvish portal.
The situation has become particularly urgent as many workers have either crossed forty years of age or are approaching retirement, with some having already retired while still classified as daily wage workers. The protesters emphasized their lack of social security benefits, noting they have no access to EPF/ESI benefits and don’t qualify for Below Poverty Line (BPL) schemes despite their economic challenges.
A key concern raised during the protest was the welfare of families of deceased workers. Several workers have passed away during their service period, both due to natural causes and during periods of turmoil, leaving their families without any source of income. The union has requested consideration for employment opportunities for one family member in such cases.
The workers have appealed to authorities to issue necessary orders or SROs for their regularization, emphasizing that this would provide security for their remaining working years and support their dependent families, including elderly parents. Despite their long service and satisfactory performance acknowledged by superior officers, their status remains temporary, leaving them in a precarious position regarding their future security.TDD
