Srinagar: The Kashmir Constructional Workers’ Union, affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), held its 5th conference in Srinagar today.
The event witnessed the participation of over 100 delegates from different parts of the Valley.
Addressing the conference, President CITU J&K unit and MLA Kulgam Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami said that the government must take immediate steps to make the registration process of labourers easier and more accessible. “The present procedure is cumbersome and discourages genuine workers from availing the welfare benefits they are entitled to,” he said.
He reiterated that in every district, one medical officer should be posted to issue Date of Birth certificates to the entitled labourers to save time and avoid unnecessary delays. “The cess needs to be enhanced from 1% to 2% and be charged from private builders and corporates as well. The files pending for years in various districts related to educational assistance, marriage assistance, death compensation, and accident compensation be settled at the earliest.”
“The last date for submitting the application forms for educational assistance needs to be deferred for at least ten days beyond the already fixed dated of 20.10.2025 in view of the three holidays” he demanded.
Abdul Rashid Pandit, President of the Kashmir Constructional Workers’ Union, said that the amendments carried in the bylaws of the union, as mandated by the constitution of the Building and Other Construction Welfare Workers Board, have been pending approval in the office of the Labour Commissioner for more than three years, which needs to be approved in the interest of the labourers.
General Secretary, Manzoor Ahmad said there is the need to prioritise the registration of migrant labourers working in Kashmir, ensuring they also receive due welfare benefits.
The speakers reiterated that the genuine demands of construction workers must be addressed without further delay and urged the authorities to take concrete measures to safeguard the rights and welfare of the labour community across Jammu and Kashmir.
Resolutions on Environment and Climate change as also on Revoking of Four Codal Laws were moved and adopted in the Conference.
Fifteen members Committee with Abdul Rashid Pandit as President, Manzoor Ahmad as General Secretary, Aashiq Hussain (Kupwara) and Aashiq Hussain (Anantnag) as Vice Presidents, Hilal Ahmad, Publicity Secretary, Munir Ahmad, Treasurer, Ghulam Mohammad, Secretary, and Mohd.Altaf, Organiser was elected in the Conference.
