PWD Casual Labourers Announce Strike Over Wage Reduction in PirPanjal Range

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RAJOURI MAR 20:– In a significant move, the Public Works Department (PWD) Casual Labourer Association of Pir Panjal Range, J&K, has launched an indefinite strike from March 20, 2025, protesting against the drastic reduction in wages for highly skilled and skilled workers. The decision comes in response to a recent directive from the Chief Accounts Officer, Chief Engineer PW(R&B) Department, which has effectively slashed their earnings to the level of unskilled labourers.

Mohd Riaz, President of the PWD Casual Labourer Association, has expressed grave concerns over the wage restructuring, calling it an unjustified and demoralizing step. According to the Labour & Employment Department’s notification dated October 12, 2022, the prescribed wages for different categories of casual labourers were:Highly Skilled: ₹552 per day (₹16,560 per month), Skilled: ₹483 per day (₹14,490 per month), Semi-Skilled: ₹400 per Day and Unskilled: ₹311 per day

However, the latest order (No. CEP/R&B/Acctts/2024-25/271-286, dated October 1, 2024) mandates that all daily-rated workers, regardless of skill level, be paid only ₹311 per day—significantly reducing the wages of highly skilled and skilled workers to ₹9,300 per month.

“This move disregards the years of service and expertise of our workers,” Riaz stated. “It is unacceptable that a highly skilled worker, who was previously earning ₹16,560 per month, is now expected to survive on an unskilled labourer’s wage. Many of our workers are struggling to afford basic necessities, including their children’s education.”

The association argues that these workers had been receiving appropriate wages in accordance with previous government notifications, including the Labour & Employment Department’s SRO 460 (October 28, 2017) and multiple endorsements from the Chief Engineer PW(R&B) Department, Jammu. Despite repeated requests for funds to cover proper wage payments—such as the letter from Executive Engineers of Pir Panjal Range (No. 8115-17, dated March 8, 2025)—no action has been taken.

The striking labourers are now demanding the immediate reinstatement of their previous wage structure, in line with the October 2022 notification (SO 513). They have called for the intervention of higher authorities to resolve the issue and prevent further financial distress among the affected workers.

As the strike continues, concerns are mounting over potential delays in key public infrastructure projects across the Pir Panjal region. With no resolution in sight, the PWD Casual Labourer Association remains firm in its stance, vowing to continue the strike until their demands are met.