Srinagar, Apr 28 (KNS): To strictly follow clear cut directions of the Government and to take care of welfare of labors, the Department of Labor J&K is going to construct 3 Labor Sarai’s in Kashmir valley this year.
“There are clear cut directions of Government of J&K to take care of welfare of labors. We will construct 3 Labor Sarai’s in Kashmir this year,” Labor Commissioner, J&K Abdul Rashid War exclusively told KNS.
He said the Labor Sarai’s will come up in two southern district including Pulwama and Anantnag besides one in central Kashmir’s Budgam.
“There were no Labor Sarai’s in Jammu and Kashmir in past except one in Jammu which was in a dilapidated condition. Besides, one Labor Sarai was built in north Kashmir’s Baramulla after 2018. However the government has taken up the matter seriously and three more Sarai’s will come up in Kashmir valley this year,” Abdul Rashid War said.
He said post 2019 there were many amendments in labor laws and in this regard all services pertaining to laborers have been made online for the betterment and welfare of laborers.
On welfare part the Labor Commissioner J&K said there are two types of labors in J&K – Skilled and Unskilled – whose welfare has been taken up on priority basis. “So far we have registered 35 Lac unorganized workers with the department whose aim is to make them aware about government schemes which are meant for their betterment and welfare.
“Like accidental insurance cover, a worker has to register himself online. He should register the details of his/her bank account and Aadhar. Besides there is no third other formality he/she has to submit for availing the benefit of the scheme,” he said.
About fixed wages, the Labor Commissioner J&K Abdul Rashid War said we have minimum wages act enforced here in J&K. “The department fix or revise rates after every 5 years. There is a minimum wage of rupees 311 per day for unskilled labor. It is a minimum and it shouldn’t be breached. Rates are notified. Any violation in this regard is being dealt strictly as per law by our Assistant Labor Commissioners who have an authority to take action against violators. No establishment or business unit can give below minimum wages to their workers. The Minimum Wages Act is a strong act and it cannot be appealed in courts,” Abdul Rashid War said.
He said the aim of department is to address the problems of workers engaged with private establishments. “As Reconciliation Officer we sit and resolve their issues related to payments, wages, bonus etc. Our ultimate goal is to ensure peaceful relationship between employer and employees. (KNS)