The protest staged by seasonal labourers from the Mechanical Irrigation Division department in Awantipora sheds light on the challenges faced by these workers due to the withholding of their wages. Here’s a summary of the key points:
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- Long-standing Issue:
- Seasonal labourers have voiced their grievances against the department for withholding their wages for several years, despite working for five months annually for decades.
- Delayed Payments:
- Workers lamented that even though they work tirelessly round the clock for five to six months each year, their meager wages are often delayed for unknown reasons, making it difficult for them to manage their family affairs.
- Unjust Treatment:
- Labourers expressed frustration over the alleged unjust treatment by the department, noting that while those engaged after them receive their salaries promptly, theirs remain withheld.
- They highlighted the additional responsibility of maintaining machinery throughout the year despite officially working for only a portion of it.
- Appeal for Intervention:
- The labourers criticized the department’s negligence towards their plight and emphasized the importance of their wages as the primary source of income for their families.
- They urged authorities, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, to intervene and address the issue promptly, calling for the release of their pending wages and assurance of continued employment.
- Previous Appeals Ignored:
- Despite bringing the matter to the attention of concerned authorities multiple times, the labourers claim that their appeals have gone unanswered, exacerbating their financial hardships.
The protest underscores the plight of seasonal labourers who rely on timely wages to sustain themselves and their families. Their appeal for intervention emphasizes the urgent need for authorities to address the longstanding issue and ensure timely payment of wages to these vulnerable workers.
