462 JKPDCL casual labourers working sans salary

Amit Khajuria

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 30

At the time of lockdown, when the people working for essential services are considered to be “corona warriors”, 462 casual labourers of Jammu Kashmir Power Development Corporation Ltd (JKPDCL) are working without salary for months together.

Out of total 3,169 casual labourers of JKPDCL, 462 casual labourers are not being paid by the department, as their names have not been linked with Aadhar by the department.

“These corona warriors are working in this crucial time to provide uninterrupted power supply to the people who are locked in their houses and are working without salary for months together,” said Akhil Sharma, president, Casual Labourers and Need-Base Association, JKPDC.

“Like the medical staff, the police, sanitation workers and bankers, we are also risking our lives by working in this situation, but how long these labourers will continue with this social service?” he added.

The wages of all 3,169 casual labourers of the JKPDC are pending for the past five to seven years, out of which 2,707 casual labourers have been getting their wages since December last year, but the pendency is still intact.

“Despite regular requests, the department has nothing to say except that the wages will be released after their names are linked with the Aadhar, but due to the lockdown, that process is withheld,” Sharma informed The Tribune over the phone.

These labourers are deputed at the power houses and sub-stations to ensure uninterrupted power supply.