PDL, TDL workers in Anantnag seek CM’s urgent intervention over delayed regularisation, wages
Anantnag: Scores of workers engaged under the Power Development Labour (PDL) and Temporary Daily Labour (TDL) categories in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district have intensified their demand for justice, urging the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene and resolve their long-pending issues.
The workers, many of whom have been associated with the power sector for over a decade, said they are grappling with uncertainty due to delays in regularisation, non-payment of wages, and the absence of job security.
They claimed that despite rendering essential services, especially during harsh weather conditions and emergency breakdowns, their contributions continue to go unrecognised.
“We have spent the prime years of our lives serving the department, often risking our safety during fieldwork. Yet, we are still treated as temporary labourers with no job security,” said a PDL worker from Anantnag.
“Our wages are delayed for months, making it extremely difficult to support our families.”
The aggrieved workers said the delay in regularisation has not only affected their financial stability but also taken a toll on their mental well-being.
They pointed out that several assurances were made by successive governments, but little progress has been seen on the ground.
“Every time we raise our concerns, we are given assurances, but those promises never translate into action. We appeal to the Chief Minister to personally look into our matter and ensure that justice is not delayed any further,” said another worker.
Highlighting the importance of their role in maintaining power supply, particularly in rural and far-flung areas, the workers said they form the backbone of the department’s ground operations.
“From restoring electricity during outages to maintaining infrastructure, we are always on the frontlines. It is disheartening that our service is not valued,” they added.
The workers have demanded immediate release of pending wages, a clear policy for regularisation, and inclusion in welfare schemes to secure their future.
They also called for transparency in the implementation of existing rules governing their employment.
The workers expressed hope that the current administration would address their grievances on priority. “We are not asking for favors, only for what is rightfully ours. Timely action by the government can bring relief to hundreds of families dependent on this work,” they said.
