On the occasion of International Labour Day 2025, the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) and J&K Pensioners United Front (JKPUF), under the leadership of Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, have raised serious concerns over the persistent exploitation and neglect of workers across the Union Territory.
In a strongly worded statement, Wani expressed deep anguish over the non-implementation of the Minimum Wages Act, describing it as a grave injustice to workers in government, public sector, and private sector roles. “Immediate implementation of the Minimum Wages Act for all employees and labourers is the only way to provide justice,” Wani said.
He highlighted the plight of contingent-paid employees, some of whom earn less than ₹1,000 per month, and condemned the underpayment of highly qualified private school teachers, many of whom are denied basic entitlements. He also drew attention to the inhumane treatment of skilled and unskilled workers in the private sector, likening their condition to that of bonded labourers, while accusing the Labour Department of remaining a silent spectator.
Wani also criticised the administration’s failure to compensate the families of thousands of casual labourers who died while performing hazardous duties, noting the lack of relief under SRO-43. He called for the establishment of a dedicated Grievance Redressal Cell to address labour-related issues across sectors.
JKCSF and JKPUF made the following demands:
Immediate implementation of the Minimum Wages Act
Fair and regular salaries for employees across sectors
Regularization of services for temporary and contractual workers
Compensation for families of deceased labourers
Strict action against exploitative employers
The organisations called on the government to make Labour Day 2025 a turning point in restoring dignity, justice, and protection for every worker in Jammu & Kashmir.
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