May Day rallies held across J&K

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: The Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday asserted that protecting workers’ and labourers’ rights remains the cornerstone of the Omar-led Government.
He made these remarks while addressing a massive gathering on the occasion of International Labour Day (May Day) at the National Conference Party’s Provincial headquarters, Jammu today. The function was chaired by Th Nar Singh, president of the State Central Labour Union Wing, while additional general secretary Ajay Sadhotra and Provincial president (Jammu) Rattan Lal Gupta attended as guests of honour.
In his address, DyCM emphasized that the Government is prioritizing the welfare of labourers and the working class through a combination of legislative measures and policy initiatives. He noted that special focus is being given to both organised and unorganised labourers/ workers.
Highlighting key initiatives, he said the Government has taken up the regularisation of over 60,000 daily wagers as a priority. He further stated that more than 30,000 vacant Government posts are being filled through the Public Service Commission (PSC) and J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB) to ensure a transparent recruitment process. He noted that over Rs 30 crore has been sanctioned for construction workers, covering assistance for education, chronic illnesses, and disability.
Ajay Sadhotra described workers as the backbone of the region’s economy and progress, praising their dedication, resilience, and sacrifices. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and livelihoods of fixed-income groups, daily wage earners, and artisans.
Rattan Lal Gupta highlighted the National Conference’s long-standing commitment to the dignity of labour. He recalled that the party’s historical manifesto advocated equal wages for women in industries, the right to choose any profession, and protection from unsuitable heavy labour.
The speakers also paid rich tribute to labourers across the world for their contributions to nation-building, especially the 1886 martyrs of Chicago who laid their lives for the right of the labourers.
Nar Singh presented a memorandum to the Deputy Chief Minister, seeking effective measures to protect the interests of workers in both organised and unorganised sectors, particularly emphasizing the strict implementation of the Minimum Wages Act.
In connection with the May Day, Jal Shakti PHE Employees and Workers Association held a massive rally at PHE Complex Udhampur. Addressing rally senior Trade Union leader Som Nath recalled the contributions of the working class and paid tribute to the martyrs of Chicago.
Som Nath stressed that JKUT Government must honour its promise and regularize the services of over 61000 daily wagers, release pending wages of the PHE workers, implement Minimum Wages Act in J&K, declared holiday on May Day and remove acute shortage of staff in PHE department.
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) on Friday organised a workers’ gathering in Srinagar to mark International Workers’ Day, paying rich tribute to the historic struggles of the working class and renewing the call to defend labour rights in the face of emerging challenges.
The programme commenced with homage to the martyrs of the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, whose supreme sacrifice laid the foundation for the eight-hour workday and ushered in a new era of labour rights and protections worldwide. Addressing the gathering, CITU J&K president and MLA Kulgam MY Tarigami described the day as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by workers across the globe who fought against exploitation, oppression and inhuman working conditions.
To mark the International Workers’ Day, hundreds of laborers gathered at the Ware House-Nehru Market, Jammu, and collectively pledged to make the region drug-free.
The event was organized by the Traders Federation Ware House Nehru Market in collaboration with the Jammu district administration. Additional Deputy Commissioner Sher Singh attended as the chief guest, while SDPO South Kuljeet Singh was present as the guest of honour.
The Labour Department, J&K organized a series of impactful programmes in Jammu, in connection with the Intl Labours’ Day, reaffirming its commitment towards the welfare, dignity, and empowerment of workers.
This year’s observance was aligned with the theme “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment,” emphasizing the importance of mental well-being, safe and supportive workplaces, and the need to address emerging challenges affecting workers’ overall health and productivity.
Labour Commissioner, J&K, Charandeep Singh joined workers at Labour Chowk, Gangyal, where he interacted with them and highlighted various labour welfare schemes aimed at improving their socio-economic conditions. Workers were sensitized about government initiatives and allied schemes.
The Labour Deptt Kathua also observed International Labour Day with a series of awareness cum-outreach programme across the district including a major event at a local factory. The workers were educated about their rights on the occasion.
Glowing tribute were paid to May Day martyrs by All J&K Low Paid Employees Federation at Srinagar today. A meeting was organised in Srinagar city which was attended by activists of the organisation drawn from different parts of the Kashmir Valley.
Those who addressed the rally included Javed Ahmed Shah, Nazir Ahmed, Mohammed Shaban and Abdul Rashid all senior leaders of the Federation. They said that the sacrifices of May Day martyrs will continue to inspire the working class for centuries to come.
They urged the Government to solve the genuine problems of the working class including regularisation of temporary workers and daily wagers , hike in their wages and hike in Medical Allowance to Rs 3000 per month.