Baramulla 28-09-26: J&K Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former EJAC President Mohd Rafique Rather today extended his full and unequivocal support to the daily wagers who took to the streets in Srinagar, demanding regularisation, job security and justice after decades of service. Rafique Rather said that the daily wagers have devoted the prime years of their lives to government departments and public service, often working under insecure and difficult conditions, yet their future continues to remain uncertain.
“It is deeply unfortunate that workers who have served the government for decades are still being made to wait for a decision on their future. They have heard promises from successive governments, seen committees being constituted and timelines being announced, but their basic demand remains unresolved,” Rafique Rather said.
He recalled that the issue has repeatedly figured in political and electoral commitments. The NCs 2024 Assembly election manifesto had explicitly promised to regularise 60,000 daily wagers within one year but nothing concrete has comeout even after two years of government.
“Election promises cannot be remembered only when votes are required. These workers have families to feed and futures to secure. They cannot be treated as a workforce to be mobilised during elections and forgotten once elections are over,” Rather said.
Referring to the government’s earlier assurance of preparing a structured and phased roadmap, Rather said that the workers have already waited long enough.
As a former EJAC leader, Rather said he has been raising the voice of daily wagers and other vulnerable categories of employees for nearly more then two decades.
“I have personally stood with these workers for the last two decades, and I consider their struggle a matter of dignity and justice. Their demand is not charity. They are asking for recognition of years of service and a secure future for their families,” he said.
Rafique Rather urged the government to stop extending the issue through assurances and committees and announce a clear, transparent and time-bound roadmap for regularisation, with the genuine concerns of all categories of workers addressed.
“Today’s protest should be treated as a wake-up call. The government must listen to these workers with sensitivity and seriousness. They have waited for years; they should not be asked to wait indefinitely.” Rather added.
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