Jammu I March 12, 2025 – In a significant move to address the long-standing issues faced by temporary workers in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the creation of a high-level committee tasked with developing a framework for the regularisation of daily wagers, casual labourers, and other temporary employees. The announcement was made during a tense session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on March 11, 2025, amid increasing unrest and political pressure from workers demanding better job security.
Speaking in the Assembly, CM Omar Abdullah emphasised that the issue was “humanitarian, not just financial,” stressing the need for a compassionate approach. He revealed that the committee, which will be chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, will assess both the legal and financial implications of regularising temporary workers. The committee is expected to submit its detailed report within six months.
“This is a bold move to bring dignity and stability to thousands of families who have been in limbo for years,” Abdullah said, underscoring the government’s commitment to finding a solution. This initiative comes as part of efforts to address long-standing grievances, with temporary workers across the region having worked for years, often without job security, benefits, or any clear path to regularisation.
The announcement follows a chaotic scene in the Legislative Assembly, where opposition BJP MLAs clashed with the ruling National Conference (NC) members over a police crackdown on protesting daily wage workers in Jammu. On March 10, 2025, a police operation led to widespread protests, as workers, demanding job regularization, faced what Abdullah referred to as “unfortunate” police action. The Chief Minister expressed sympathy for the workers but clarified that the police response was beyond his control. He assured the Assembly that the issue would be addressed as part of the budget discussions for his departments.
On social media, posts from March 11, 2025, revealed mixed reactions to the announcement. Users such as @Qns24x7 and @danishazaam012 expressed optimism regarding the six-month deadline for the committee’s report, while @GulistanNewsTV called it a “bold move” to tackle the concerns of temporary employees. Public sentiment suggests that the move is being closely watched as a test for Abdullah’s administration, which has only been in power for a few months.
The issue of temporary workers in Jammu and Kashmir has been a persistent challenge, with thousands employed across various government departments without job security or benefits. The recent announcement by Abdullah builds on the commitments made in the #JKBudget2025, which focuses on economic empowerment and youth employment, such as the Mission Yuva initiative, which aims to create 4.25 lakh self-employment opportunities over the next five years. However, the plight of temporary employees now takes center stage.
In response to the ongoing political debate, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary reinforced the National Conference’s commitment to addressing the issue, stating, “The National Conference is the voice of the people, and we will deliver justice.” Meanwhile, BJP MLAs criticized the government for its perceived inaction, pointing to the police response as evidence of administrative failure. Abdullah countered these accusations, highlighting the proactive steps taken with the formation of the committee and positioning it as a foundation for broader reforms outlined in the 2025 budget.
The committee will undertake a thorough review of the number of temporary workers employed across departments, working in conjunction with the General Administration Department (GAD), to assess the financial burden and the legal framework needed for regularization. With Jammu and Kashmir’s debt surpassing ₹1.25 lakh crore, as revealed by Abdullah on March 9, 2025, the government faces the challenge of balancing humanitarian goals with the region’s financial realities.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues its transition under Union Territory status, the formation of this committee is seen as a step toward setting a precedent for addressing systemic employment issues. All eyes are now on the Abdullah administration to deliver on its promise, offering hope to temporary workers who have long sought recognition and stability.