SRINAGAR, Oct 30: The Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javed Ahmad Rana, announced today that the state government is actively considering a policy for the regularization of daily-wagers. This announcement came during a legislative assembly session in response to a question posed by Legislator Dr. Sajjad Shafi.
Minister Rana highlighted the significant staffing shortages plaguing the department, attributing these challenges primarily to the superannuation of several field employees. He noted that the gaps in staffing hinder the department’s ability to maintain consistent and efficient water supply services.
In his address, Rana provided specific figures, revealing that currently, there are only 125 Assistant Lineman available, while a mere eight lineman posts remain vacant in the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Sub-Division Uri. This discrepancy in staff numbers raises concerns over the capability to ensure regular water supply amidst the increasing demand.
Despite the staffing deficit, the Minister assured the public that effective measures have been implemented to maintain water supply and manage existing Water Supply Schemes (WSS). The Department has arranged interim solutions through the internal deployment of available manpower, including both regular employees and daily-wagers.
Minister Rana emphasized that these temporary arrangements ensure operational continuity until the vacant posts are filled through formal recruitment, promotion, or redeployment according to departmental norms. He stressed that the welfare of daily-wagers remains a top priority for the government, as their work is crucial in delivering essential services to the public.
This move to consider a regularization policy comes as several states across India grapple with similar issues related to daily-wage laborers, emphasizing the need for a secure future for these workers. Regularization not only provides job security but also aligns with the government’s commitment to welfare.
The discussions surrounding this policy reflect a growing recognition of the significant contributions daily-wage workers make towards the sustainability of vital services such as water supply. With ongoing dialogues and considerations, the Jal Shakti Department aims to enhance its operational capacity while ensuring justice for its workers.
