Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said that the committee constituted to examine the regularisation of casual, seasonal, temporary, contractual and need-based workers is still examining the issue, with no fixed timeline set for submission of its final report.
The government disclosed this in a written reply to a question by CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami in the Legislative Assembly, seeking the status of the recommendations of the committee constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary.
The committee was constituted through Government Order No. 384-JK(GAD) of 2025 dated March 19, 2025 and tasked with examining the humanitarian, legal and financial aspects of regularising different categories of workers.
According to the government, the committee is examining workers engaged at different points of time under varying terms and conditions across departments. It is also looking at the legal position, applicable statutory provisions, recruitment rules and the financial implications of any proposed regularisation policy.
The government said the committee was undertaking a comprehensive exercise to formulate a uniform framework that could be legally enforced and implemented across departments.
On the status of its report, the government said consultations with the concerned departments and examination of administrative, legal and financial aspects were still required before a final policy decision could be taken.
It said the time taken in the process was due to the need for a comprehensive examination and reconciliation of the issue with the legal and financial framework governing employment.
On the proposed timeframe for the committee’s report and a final policy decision, the government said the matter was under active consideration and efforts were being made to complete the examination and consultations at the earliest.
“However, in view of the multiplicity of categories involved and the legal, administrative and financial implications of any decision, it would not be appropriate to indicate a rigid timeframe at this stage,” the government said.
The government further said a considered decision would be taken after completion of the examination and receipt of the required inputs from the concerned departments and authorities.
On whether the committee was examining a policy for compassionate engagement of an eligible family member of workers who died while awaiting regularisation, the government said the issue was not part of the committee’s terms of reference.
The committee’s constitution and mandate were notified in March 2025, with the General Administration Department assigned to service it. The original government order had provided for the committee to submit its report within six months.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader and Kulgam MLA, M Y Tarigami on Thursday raised the issue of Anganwadi and ASHA workers in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, demanding a hike in their salaries and improved working conditions.
Raising the matter during the ongoing autumn session, Tarigami urged the government to consider the demands of the workers, who, he said, play a pivotal role in delivering healthcare, nutrition and other essential services at the grassroots level.
He called for measures to improve their remuneration and address issues related to their welfare and working conditions.
The MLA said the contribution of Anganwadi and ASHA workers should be duly recognised and their concerns addressed by the government.
