The long-standing agitation by Jal Shakti (PHE) Department daily wagers and workers escalated on Monday as scores of protestors were cane-charged and detained by police during demonstrations in Jammu and Srinagar. The protests, organized under the banner of the PHE United Front, were aimed at demanding regularization and the release of pending wages that have accumulated over 85 months.
Jammu Protest: Clashes Erupt Near Legislative Assembly
Hundreds of daily wagers gathered at the PHE Complex, BC Road, Jammu, early in the morning under the leadership of Rajinder Singh Taj, Ravi Hans, and other United Front leaders. As the protestors attempted to march toward the Legislative Assembly and the Chief Minister’s residence, police forces intervened near the MLA Hostel, leading to a minor scuffle. The police resorted to light cane-charge to disperse the protestors, leaving at least three workers injured.
Union leader Rajinder Singh Taj addressed the media before the rally, stating that the workers have been on strike since June 2022, seeking the release of their unpaid wages and regularization of their services. “Despite multiple rounds of discussions with the authorities, our demands remain ignored,” he said.
Taj also criticized the ruling party, recalling how NC and Congress had promised job regularization in their election manifestos. “Their failure to act upon their commitments has left thousands of families in distress,” he remarked. He also demanded the reinstatement of SRO-64, which was abolished in March 1994, ensuring job security for daily wagers.
PHE leader Ravi Hans highlighted the urgent need for workforce expansion, stating that over 7,000 new water supply schemes have been introduced since 1994, including 1,089 under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Jammu region alone, yet no additional staff has been hired. “At least six workers are required per tube well, but daily wagers are being forced to manage everything under immense pressure,” Hans added.
Srinagar Protest: Demonstrators Detained Near Gupkar Road
Simultaneously, a large protest was organized at the Jal Shakti headquarters in Srinagar under the Jammu and Kashmir Casual and Daily Wagers Forum (JKCDF). Hundreds of workers raised slogans against the government for failing to address their issues in the ongoing J&K Legislative Assembly budget session.
As protestors attempted to march toward Gupkar Road, police forces swiftly intervened, shutting the gates of the Jal Shakti office at Exchange Road and detaining several workers. The detained workers were reportedly lodged in various police stations across Srinagar.
Speaking to the press, JKCDF President Sajad Parray condemned the police action, calling it an act of “sheer frustration by the authorities.” He revealed that they had planned to “gherao” the Chief Minister’s residence but were forcefully stopped.
Parray also drew attention to wage disparities, pointing out that daily wagers in Ladakh receive ₹45,000 per month, while their counterparts in Delhi earn ₹29,000. However, workers in Jammu and Kashmir continue to receive significantly lower wages, causing widespread resentment.
Larger Protest Planned for March 13
As tensions escalate, Parray warned that if the government does not take immediate steps to implement the Regularization Act and Minimum Wages Act, the workers will organize a massive protest in front of the Civil Secretariat on March 13.
Government’s Response Awaited
Despite the ongoing turmoil, no official statement has been issued by the Jal Shakti Department or the Chief Minister’s Office regarding the matter. The workers, however, remain resolute, vowing to intensify their agitation until their demands are met.
