PAHALGAM: The Labour Department today organised a large-scale awareness-cum-interactive session with stakeholders at Pahalgam, drawing an overwhelming response from hoteliers, transporters, ponywalas, building and other construction workers, and members of the local community.
The programme was presided over by Labour Commissioner Charandeep Singh.
During the interactive session, stakeholders actively shared their concerns, suggestions, and demands.
They urged that such awareness programmes be conducted more frequently across the Union Territory. Hoteliers expressed appreciation for the sustained efforts of the Labour Department, acknowledging its role in maintaining industrial peace despite the prolonged challenges faced by the hospitality sector in recent past.
They also stressed the need for restoration of the Labour Sarai or creation of an alternative facility to provide affordable accommodation to seasonal labourers, particularly those arriving during the tourist season and the annual Amarnath Yatra, who are otherwise unable to bear hotel expenses.
Addressing the gathering, Charandeep Singh reaffirmed the department’s commitment to the welfare of workers and the protection of their rights. He stressed that the Labour Department is dedicated to working tirelessly, even on holidays, to ensure the timely delivery of welfare schemes and benefits.
Labour Commissioner urged all stakeholders to disseminate the message that the Labour Department stands for the welfare of the masses and called upon workers to enrol themselves under various flagship government programmes such as ESIC, PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY.
He also highlighted that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has taken a lead at the national level by registering around 36 lakh workers on the e-Shram portal, making it the first UT to achieve such a milestone. He encouraged all stakeholders to motivate the remaining unorganised workers to register on the portal so that no eligible worker is left out of social security benefits.
On the occasion, the Assistant Labour Commissioner briefed the participants on a wide range of important labour legislations, including the Employees Compensation Act, Industrial Disputes Act, Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Gratuity Act, Building and Other Construction Workers Act, and the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Cess Act. Labour Officer highlighted the provisions of the Payment of Wages Act and the Jammu and Kashmir Shops and Establishments Act, ensuring that the participants were well informed about their legal rights and entitlements.
Marking a significant welfare measure, scholarships worth ₹79.09 lakh were released in favour of registered beneficiaries during the programme. Additionally, sanction letters for education assistance ranging from ₹45,000 to ₹48,000 each were distributed among 48 beneficiaries, providing vital support for the education of their children.
