Sopore, Jan 21: Abdul Gani Vakil, Senior Vice President of J&K Peoples Conference and former minister, conducted a visit to various villages in Rafiabad and Sopore, including Botingoo, Sher Colony, Drusoo, Tarzoowa, and Bomai. During the visit, Vakil engaged with multiple delegations of daily wagers and casual labourers.
Expressing deep concern for the challenges faced by daily wagers and casual labourers, who tirelessly contribute to the functionality of essential departments, Vakil highlighted the need for immediate attention to address their grievances. He urged the LG administration to take prompt measures to regularize the employment status of daily wagers, casual labourers, and other appointees serving in different departments on an ad hoc and contractual basis.
The PC leader urged the LG administration to urgently formulate a comprehensive plan to alleviate the hardships faced by daily wage workers, casual labourers, as well as Anganwadi workers and helpers. “Despite assurances from the current LG administration and past governments regarding the regularization of daily wagers, contractual employees, Anganwadi workers, and helpers, no concrete policy decision has been implemented,” he said.
The former minister said it is the administration’s responsibility to restore the livelihoods of these workers, who depend on daily earnings to sustain their families.
Addressing the issue of occupational hazards faced by daily wagers, particularly those working in the Power Development Department (PDD), Vakil called for the implementation of an insurance policy. “Several PDD daily wagers lost their lives or sustained permanent injuries due to electric shocks while diligently performing their duties,” he said.
Vakil expressed disappointment at the absence of an insurance policy or government scheme to support the affected families of daily wagers facing such unfortunate incidents.
