JKCSF Calls for Immediate End to Exploitation of Private Sector Employees in J&K

The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Pensioners United Front (JKPUF), expresses serious concern over the growing exploitation of highly qualified youth working in the private sector across Jammu and Kashmir.

It is disheartening that over 30,000 educated youth are employed in private educational institutions, yet many of them are denied even the basic minimum wages. They are subjected to long working hours, no job security, and are deprived of their fundamental rights. Fear of losing employment forces many of them to suffer in silence, unable to voice their concerns. These teachers, who are the backbone of the private education sector, are living a miserable life, struggling to make ends meet and feed their families.

Shockingly, while some private school owners indulge in lavish lifestyles, enjoying luxury holidays in Dubai and London, the sweat and blood of their workforce continue to be exploited. These same institutions, which spend crores on publicity and branding, fail to provide fair wages and decent working conditions to their staff. Teachers are being forced to sign inflated pay registers, showing salaries as high as twelve thousand rupees, while receiving only six thousand in hand. This is a blatant example of corporate exploitation and manipulation.

The issue extends beyond educational institutions. Workers employed at petrol pumps, sales counters, cooks, AASHA workers, contingent-paid staff in education, and laborers in various capacities are all facing similar exploitation. They endure poor wages, long hours, and zero job security, while the Labour Department remains a mute spectator.

Our Demands
1.⁠ ⁠Strict Implementation of Minimum Wages Act in all private sector establishments.
2.⁠ ⁠Constitution of a Task Force by the government to conduct regular inspections and audits of private institutions, ensuring compliance with labor laws.
3.⁠ ⁠End to Wage Fraud, with stringent action against employers who manipulate pay registers.
4.⁠ ⁠Job Security and Social Benefits for private sector employees, ensuring they are not terminated without valid reasons and proper compensation.
5.⁠ ⁠Grievance Redressal Mechanism to be established for private sector employees to report exploitation without fear of retaliation.
6.⁠ ⁠Transparency in Employment Contracts, with every employee receiving a formal appointment letter and contract.
7.⁠ ⁠Review of Policies affecting contingent-paid workers, AASHA workers, and other vulnerable categories to ensure fair treatment and social security.

Call for Immediate Government Intervention

JKCSF and JKPUF strongly urge the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene and ensure justice for the exploited workforce. We recommend the formulation of a Draft Policy aimed at eradicating labor exploitation, ensuring job security, and protecting the rights of private sector employees.

Abdul Qayoom Wani emphasized that "Social justice cannot be claimed unless the pain and concerns of the poor and marginalized are genuinely addressed. The plight of these workers is a stain on our conscience, and it is the duty of every stakeholder to ensure justice and dignity for them."

This issue was also raised during budget consultations, highlighting the urgent need for policy reform. It is imperative that authorities act now to safeguard the rights of these hardworking individuals who contribute significantly to the economy and society.

We appeal to civil society, media, and concerned citizens to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and raise their voices against this injustice.