PWD workers seek outstanding dues

Our Correspondent

Doda, August 13

Casual workers of the mechanical engineering department, a wing of the public works department (PWD), Doda, held a protest against the government and demanded release of their pending wages.

Under the banner of the Chenab Valley Association All Casual Labour, the protesters blocked the Doda-Batote national highway for nearly one and half hours. They demanded release of their salaries pending for the last 15 months.

Association president Shah Nawaz Tantrey said, “We never wanted to take the path of agitation. However, it’s been 15 months that we haven’t received our salaries. Our families have been suffering badly.”

Tantrey said, “We are getting a meagre amount of Rs 3,000 per month. We urge the government to release our pending wages. If our demands are not met, we will be left with no other option but to hit the streets.”

“The naib tehsildar has assured us that the matter will be solved after August 15. However, if the government fails to address our demands, we will again block the highway.”