Jammu and Kashmir CM Announces Major Relief for Daily Wage Workers
In a significant development for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has declared that his government will initiate the process of regularizing approximately 60,000 daily wage workers this year. This announcement came during a lively discussion on the UT's Budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly, where the CM also addressed the reopening of tourist destinations and voiced strong concerns about the India-US trade agreement.
Long-Awaited Regularization Process to Begin
Addressing the Assembly amid protests from Opposition BJP legislators, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated, "God willing, we will start this year the process of regularisation of daily wagers, who have moved from pillar to post." This move aims to provide stability to workers who have been employed on meager wages for the past 20 to 30 years, marking a crucial step toward resolving a persistent issue that has challenged successive governments in the region.
The Omar Abdullah administration had previously established a high-level committee to thoroughly examine the legal, financial, and administrative dimensions of regularizing these workers. The goal is to create a fair, transparent, and sustainable policy framework to address their long-standing grievances effectively.
Tourist Destinations Set to Reopen
In addition to the regularization announcement, the Chief Minister revealed that all tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, which were closed following the Pahalgam attack last year, will be reopened in the coming months. He mentioned that this matter has been discussed with the Central government, signaling a coordinated effort to revive the region's tourism sector and boost local economies.
Criticism of India-US Trade Deal
During his nearly 30-minute address, Omar Abdullah expressed strong reservations about the India-US trade deal, particularly its implications for Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned the agreement's benefits for the UT, stating, "I am still trying to understand how it has been advantageous for Jammu and Kashmir." He highlighted that the deal allows duty-free entry of tree nuts, including walnuts, almonds, and other dry fruits, into India, which could severely impact the local horticulture industry.
The Chief Minister pointed out that these products are key agricultural outputs of Jammu and Kashmir, and the trade agreement poses a direct threat to the region's dry fruit sector. He further noted that the deal has already adversely affected the horticulture sector in the Jammu region, where efforts had been made to introduce kiwi fruit and bee colonies with considerable difficulty.
Heated Assembly Session
The announcement was made in a charged atmosphere, with BJP members protesting and raising slogans during the session. Some of these protests led to expungements by the Speaker. Despite the disruptions, Omar Abdullah emphasized that the Budget presented by his government is focused on the welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, including youth and marginalized communities.
This comprehensive approach by the J&K government underscores a commitment to addressing both immediate labor concerns and broader economic challenges, while navigating complex international trade dynamics that affect local industries.
