Srinagar, May 1: Daily wagers, casual labourers, and ASHA workers took to the streets in Srinagar on International Labour Day, demanding regularisation of services, enhancement of wages, and extension of social security benefits.
The main protest was held at Lal Chowk, where workers assembled under the banner of different unions and associations, carrying placards and raising slogans.
Protesting ASHA workers said they serve every day in villages and cities, but their services are still not recognised as regular. They demanded a fixed monthly honorarium and timely payment.
“We are on duty every day, but our services are not recognised as regular. We demand fixed monthly honorarium and timely payment,” said one ASHA worker.
Another protester said, “We have been working for years, but there is no job security or future protection. We only want dignity for our work.”
ASHA workers, who form a major part of frontline healthcare delivery, said their role in rural and urban health outreach has expanded significantly, but their employment status remains contractual and under-supported.
Daily wagers and casual labourers said that despite continuous engagement in government departments over long periods, their services remain unregularised. They demanded a structured policy for regularisation and social security cover, including pension and insurance benefits.
The protesters said repeated assurances over the years have not translated into concrete outcomes, leading to growing frustration among the working classes.
Labour Day events in Srinagar also saw participation from trade union representatives and political leaders. CPI(M) leader and MLA Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami said Labour Day represents the global struggle of workers and the sacrifices made for securing basic rights such as the eight-hour work system.
He said workers across sectors, including industrial labour, agriculture, informal sector and frontline services, continue to face challenges related to wages, job security and union rights.
“Today, labour rights are under pressure, and workers are facing increasing difficulties,” Tarigami said, expressing concern over changes in labour laws and their impact on workers’ protections, particularly collective bargaining and working conditions.
The CPI(M) leader further said that a large section of daily wage and casual workers, despite years of service, remain outside the ambit of pensions and social security benefits. He added that ASHA workers and other similar categories continue to demand formal recognition and improved service conditions.
He called for stronger unity among trade unions and stressed the need for addressing workers’ concerns in a structured and time-bound manner. (KNO)
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