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NASIR ALI
SRINAGAR: Labourers who form the foundation of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy continue to work under challenging conditions, even as the government reiterates its commitment to ensuring their dignity, safety and job security. Experts and officials say that at a time when the Union Territory is pushing for rapid infrastructure expansion and industrial growth, the welfare of lakhs of workers must remain central to policy execution.
According to officials in the Department of Labour & Employment, the administration is aiming to strengthen labour welfare mechanisms, raise widespread awareness on labour reforms and facilitate the smooth implementation of the New Labour Codes across J&K. These reforms, they say, are expected to streamline regulations, reduce compliance burden on employers, and expand social security benefits for workers—especially those in unorganised sectors.
However, on the ground, labourers assert that challenges persist. Daily wagers at construction sites, agricultural workers, hospitality-sector staff, artisans, brick kiln workers and thousands of migrant labourers continue to grapple with fluctuating wages, unsafe working conditions and limited access to welfare schemes. “We contribute everything our sweat and our strength to the growth of Jammu & Kashmir, but job security is still a dream for many,” said Bashir Ahmad, a labourer from Budgam. “We hope the new reforms genuinely address our concerns and not just remain on paper.
”Senior officials in the Labour & Employment Department say that several new initiatives are underway to improve registration of workers, enhance transparency and ensure timely delivery of benefits. “Our priority is to strengthen labour welfare systems and ensure that no worker remains outside the safety nets provided by the government,” an official said. He added that the department is conducting outreach programmes to educate workers about social security, insurance schemes, pension benefits and grievance-redressal mechanisms.
Despite multiple reforms, one of the biggest challenges remains low awareness among workers particularly those from rural and marginalised backgrounds. Labour activists say that schemes like PMSYM pension, e-Shram registration, accidental insurance and maternity benefits often fail to reach intended beneficiaries because of information gaps.
“Many labourers do not even know they are eligible for insurance or pension benefits. Without strong awareness drives at the grassroots level, the impact of welfare schemes will remain limited,” said a labour rights activist in Srinagar. He stressed that the department must strengthen field-level teams and community engagement so workers feel confident approaching labour offices for support.
Another hurdle is the slow transition to the New Labour Codes across India, which aim to consolidate existing laws into four comprehensive codes Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security and Occupational Safety & Working Conditions. While these codes promise simplified procedures and expanded coverage, labour experts argue that J&K needs a structured roadmap for implementation to avoid confusion for both workers and employers.
With construction activity booming, particularly under Smart City projects, labour safety has emerged as a serious concern. Workers often operate without helmets, harnesses or protective gear, and some sites lack basic safety protocols. Fatal accidents in the past few years have highlighted the urgent need for enforcement of Occupational Safety Standards.
“Safety is non-negotiable. The government must ensure strict inspections of worksites, especially in construction and manufacturing sectors,” said a senior labour officer. He added that the Labour Department is planning enhanced inspection drives and mandatory safety audits for large contractors.
Industry associations have welcomed the labour reforms but say small contractors need easier processes for compliance. Many suggest that digital platforms, mobile apps and simplified documentation will help ensure more workers are registered under welfare schemes.
Civil society groups, meanwhile, have urged the government to focus on migrant workers who play a crucial role in construction and service sectors. “Migrant labourers face unique challenges, including lack of housing, identity verification issues and vulnerability to exploitation. Welfare policies must be inclusive of their needs,” said an NGO member who works with labour communities in South Kashmir.
As Jammu & Kashmir moves toward rapid economic development, stakeholders agree that the welfare of labourers must remain central to governance. Dignity at work, timely payment of wages, safe working environments and robust social security coverage are essential to ensuring that labourers the backbone of J&K’s economy receive their due rights.
The Labour & Employment Department has reiterated its commitment to raising awareness on reforms and ensuring the smooth implementation of the New Labour Codes. But labourers insist that meaningful change can only come through consistent ground-level enforcement and accountability.
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