Srinagar, Jan 29 (KNS): Casual labourers of Wildlife Department staged a protest outside Chief Minister’s Office in Srinagar on Wednesday, demanding the release of their monthly wages. The protestors, who have been raising the issue since 2019, said they are facing extreme financial hardship due to irregular payments.
The casual labourers pointed out that while daily wagers in other departments receive regular monthly salaries, casual workers in the Wildlife Department continue to receive meager amounts ranging from ?1,000 to ?4,000 after every three months. “This is a big injustice. How can we support our families with such irregular payments?” a protestor questioned.
The protestors revealed that the department had initially identified 1,500 workers through biometric verification.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHowever, later, a committee reduced the number to 750, who are currently working. Despite several meetings with the Forest Minister and letters sent on their behalf, they claimed that their grievances remain unaddressed.
“We have high hopes from the newly formed government. The LG administration did not resolve our issue, but now we believe this government will intervene and address our demands,” said a protestor.
The demonstrators urged the Chief Minister to personally look into the matter and ensure that they receive wages on a monthly basis like other government workers. During the protest, some of the casual labourers were detained by the police. (KNS)