PDD daily-wager dies after falling from electric pole in Shopian
Employees demand better facilities, exemption of daily wagers from installing solar rooftop
Shopian: A Power Development Department (PDD) daily-wager lost his life on Tuesday after falling from a low-tension (LT) electric pole in Chakoora village of south Kashmir’s Shopian district, triggering a wave of concern and protest among power sector workers.
The deceased, identified as Mohammad Yaqoob, was a Permanent Daily Labourer (PDL) posted in sector Chakoora of the district.
The tragic incident occurred while he was conducting a power disconnection drive in the area.
Eyewitnesses said Yaqoob fell from the electric pole and died on the spot due to severe injuries.
The incident has once again brought to light the safety risks faced by frontline power workers, especially daily-wagers who are often tasked with hazardous duties without adequate protection or training.
Following the incident, employees of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) held a silent protest in Pulwama, mourning the loss of their colleague and demanding urgent attention from the administration.
The protesting employees decried the frequent fatal accidents involving PDD workers and criticized the government for its failure to provide safety gear and improve working conditions.
“There is tremendous pressure on us to work tirelessly, even though the number of staff—both permanent and daily wagers—is insufficient,” said one of the protestors.
They also questioned the government’s directive that PDD employees must install rooftop solar panels.
“Why are only PDD employees being asked to install solar rooftop systems? And how can a daily wager, earning just Rs 9,000 a month, afford it while managing family and daily expenses?” asked another employee.
The protestors urged the government to immediately address their long-standing demands, including the provision of safety equipment, regularization of services, and fresh recruitment to reduce the workload and improve safety standards in the department.
