JAMMU: What began as a digital outreach initiative has steadily evolved into one of the most impactful grievance redressal platforms for workers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Shramik Warta, a flagship programme spearheaded by the Labour Commissioner, J&K, is transforming how labour-related grievances are heard, addressed and resolved across the Union Territory.
Conceived as a weekly virtual interface, Shramik Warta is held every Wednesday, bringing together Assistant Labour Commissioners (ALCs) from all districts, workers, labourers and other aggrieved individuals on a common digital platform. The initiative ensures that workers, irrespective of their location, can directly present their concerns before senior departmental authorities without procedural hurdles or delays.
Grievances pertaining to non-payment of wages, minimum wages, non-payment of gratuity, non-payment of compensation, illegal termination etc. are presented by the aggrieved workers during the Shramik Warta and upon intervention by the concerned officers, the same are resolved in a time-bound manner.
A total amount of Rs.2,89,05,026/- (Rupees Two Crore Eighty-Nine Lakh Five Thousand and Twenty-Six) has already been recovered as pending wages, gratuity, compensation, retrenchment compensation, bonus etc. from employers and the same has been disbursed to the concerned beneficiaries under rules. Moreover, in the cases of illegal termination, through the intervention of officers, the aggrieved workers have also been reinstated.
This initiative of grievance redressal mechanism has also been acknowledged and appreciated by the Ministry of Labour &Employment, Government of India at the Regional Conference of Labour & Employment held in Jaipur.
The 16th edition of Shramik Warta was convened on Wednesday at 11:30 am by Labour Commissioner, J&K, S. Charandeep Singh reaffirming the Department’s commitment to institutionalizing a transparent, accountable and worker-centric grievance redressal mechanism.
During the session, the Labour Commissioner interacted directly with aggrieved workers, patiently hearing their concerns and issuing on-the-spot directions for resolution.
Several cases highlighted during the session underscored the tangible impact of the initiative:
In Rajouri, Sat Paul, a construction worker, had sought financial assistance under the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Scheme for the medical treatment of his son suffering from a kidney ailment. Prompt intervention by the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Rajouri, ensured immediate financial assistance, enabling the family to arrange urgent treatment. The beneficiary expressed heartfelt gratitude for the timely humanitarian support.
In Srinagar, Adil Ahmad Mir and fellow teachers from Iqra International School had raised concerns regarding non-payment of salaries for three months. Following swift action by the ALC Srinagar, the pending salaries were released in a time-bound manner, bringing relief to the affected teachers.
Similarly, workers employed with Unique Sanitation in Doda had complained of non-payment of six months’ wages and irregularities in Provident Fund contributions. After intervention by the ALC Doda, the pending wages were cleared and statutory compliance was ensured, resolving the matter efficiently.
In Kulgam, Mubarak Ahmad Itoo had approached the Department regarding non-payment of gratuity by his employer, Kashmir Public School Balsoo. The grievance was addressed promptly and an amount of Rs. 35,600 was disbursed to him through cheque.
Addressing participants during the session, the Labour Commissioner emphasized that Shramik Warta represents a pioneering institutional mechanism providing workers with a structured and direct interface with higher authorities.
He noted that the initiative has significantly strengthened transparency, responsiveness and accountability within the enforcement machinery of the Department.
Reiterating the Department’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers, he affirmed that Shramik Warta will continue to be held regularly to ensure timely grievance redressal and effective delivery of labour welfare measures across Jammu and Kashmir.
