The Jal Shakti (PHE) Department workers and daily wagers staged a massive protest demonstration outside the Chief Engineer’s office on BC Road, Jammu, demanding regularization of their services and release of pending wages.
Ongoing Protest Amidst Delayed Wages
Under the banner of PHE United Front, the protest was led by Rajinder Singh Taj and other United Front leaders. The agitated workers assembled at the PHE Complex, BC Road, Jammu, and raised slogans against the administration for its failure to address their long-pending issues.
Despite 84 months of unpaid wages, assurances from the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, and multiple rounds of talks with higher authorities, no concrete steps have been taken towards their regularization. Their strike has now continued for over 800 days, making it one of the longest-running protests in the region.
Union Leaders Voice Their Demands
Speaking to media personnel, Rajinder Singh Taj highlighted the plight of thousands of PHE workers who have been struggling for their rights since June 2022.
- “Despite several meetings and promises, nothing has changed for us. Our families are on the verge of starvation. The government must act now,” said Taj.
- He reminded the National Conference (NC) and Congress of their election promises regarding regularization of services and demanded their intervention in the upcoming budget session.
- The implementation of SRO 64, which was abolished in March 1994, remains another key demand of the protestors.
Massive Expansion, No Recruitment
The protestors pointed out that since 1994, over 7,000 new Water Supply Schemes have been introduced, with 1,089 new schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Jammu region alone. Despite this, no new employees have been recruited.
- “Each tube well requires at least six workers, yet we are overburdened with responsibilities without permanent employment,” the protestors stated.
Participation from Across the Region
Braving heavy rains, workers from Akhnoor, Nowshera, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi, Kathua, and other districts joined the protest, showcasing the widespread discontent among PHE employees.
Workers’ Dire Situation
Union representatives Ravi Hans, Hoshiar Singh, Navdeep Singh, and Mohan Lal Sharma addressed the gathering and emphasized the dire financial situation faced by the workers.
- “Many of us are unable to pay our children’s school fees or afford basic necessities. The government must release our wages immediately,” they said.
Call for Government Action
The protestors accused the LG Administration and BJP leadership of neglecting their grievances and warned of intensified agitation if their demands are not met.
As the protest continues, all eyes are on the administration to take decisive action and address the genuine concerns of the PHE workers who keep the region’s water supply system running.
