Blames PDP of indulging in theatrics to capture headlines
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 1: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated in the Legislative Assembly that daily wagers will be regularised in a phased manner during the current fiscal, while lashing out at the Peoples Democratic Party for indulging in theatrics to capture headlines.
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The Chief Minister made these remarks while replying to a Private Member’s Bill moved by CPI(M) MLA MY Tarigami, which sought regularisation of casual labourers and other workers engaged in various Government departments.
Opposing the Bill, Omar Abdullah said his Government has already made a commitment on the issue and is awaiting recommendations of a high-level committee to initiate the process in a structured manner.
He maintained that while he does not question the intent of the veteran CPI(M) legislator MY Tarigami, the timing of bringing the Bill was not appropriate as the Government had recently assured action on the matter.
He said that raising the issue on the very first day of the current fiscal, soon after the Government’s commitment, was not pragmatic, adding that had the Government failed to act over the past several months, he would have supported such a move.
Emphasising a constructive approach, the Chief Minister requested Tarigami to withdraw the Bill, assuring the House that the process of regularisation would begin within the current financial year.
Satisfied with the assurance, Tarigami said his intention was to seek clarity and reiterated commitment from the Government to end uncertainty among daily wagers, who have been struggling for long.
He later withdrew the Bill, expressing hope that the process would be completed within the promised timeframe.
Another Bill on the same subject, moved by PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, seeking regularisation of ad hoc, daily wagers and other temporary workers, was put to vote and rejected by the House.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister strongly reacted to certain remarks made by the PDP MLA, which were later expunged by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, and accused the party of indulging in theatrics to capture headlines.
He alleged that the opposition was deliberately trying to mislead people despite being aware of the Government’s efforts towards regularisation of daily wagers.
Omar also criticised the PDP for politicising other issues, including remarks concerning former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
He clarified that despite there being no entitlement for Government accommodation to former Chief Ministers after 2019, a residence had been provided to her in relaxation of norms.
Referring to statements made by Para on social media, the Chief Minister termed the allegations as “irresponsible” and said attempts were being made to create unnecessary controversy.
The Chief Minister further accused the opposition of raising irrelevant matters in the House due to lack of substantive issues, and said his Government remains focused on governance and fulfilling its commitments.
He reiterated that the regularisation of daily wagers will be carried out in a phased and systematic manner, ensuring fairness and addressing long-pending concerns of the workforce.
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