Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal raises key issues of daily wager regularization and religious tourism development in J&K Assembly

SRINAGAR: During the ongoing Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, MLA Ramgarh and Former Minister for Health and Medical Education, raised two significant questions concerning the regularization of daily wagers and the promotion of religious tourism in his constituency.

Regularization of Daily Wagers (A.Q. No. 492).Dr. Manyal sought clarification from the Government regarding the policy framework for the regularization of daily wagers working across various departments in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, along with details of their remuneration and benefits.

In its reply, the Government stated that the policy of regularization is under review following the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Constitution Bench judgment in Secretary, State of Karnataka vs. Uma Devi (2006), which mandates adherence to constitutional provisions and recruitment rules under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India.

The Government further informed that different departments have engaged Daily Rated Workers (DRWs), Casual Labourers (CSLs), and Volunteers as per operational needs, and their wages are being paid according to the minimum wage rates notified by the Government.

The reply also mentioned that in terms of Government Order No. 384-JK(GAD) of 2025, dated 19.03.2025, a high-level committee has been constituted to examine all issues — humanitarian, legal, and financial — related to the regularization of casual and seasonal labourers in Jammu and Kashmir and to suggest a comprehensive policy framework.

Promotion of Religious Tourism (A.Q. No. 267). Dr. Manyal also raised a question regarding the steps taken for the development and promotion of key religious sites in Ramgarh Constituency, including Baba Sidh Goria Nath Temple (Swankha), Baba Chamliyal Temple (Ramgarh), Ganga Mata Temple (Madoon Panchayat), and Bamu Temple (Ramgarh Block).

In response, the Government informed that:

Under the Capex Budget 2010–11, a dormitory and public convenience facilities were constructed at Baba Sidh Goria Nath Temple, completed in 2016–17 at a cost of ₹146.36 lakh.

Renovation and beautification works worth ₹190.49 lakh were completed in 2021–22, benefitting over 23 lakh pilgrims in the last two years.

At Baba Chamliyal Temple, developmental works including tiling, ornamental viewpoints, flooring, pathways, and lighting were completed under the Capex Budgets of 2017–18 and 2022–23, at a cost of ₹62.07 lakh, benefitting over 70,000 pilgrims in two years.

For Ganga Mata Temple (Madoon) and Bamu Temple (Ramgarh), no formal proposal has yet been received; however, the Department acknowledged their potential for cultural and spiritual tourism, assuring that any future proposals will be considered on priority based on feasibility and fund availability.

The Tourism Department also stated that it continues to promote annual religious fairs such as Mela Baba Chamliyal and Mela Baba Sidh Goria Nath through widespread publicity, advertisements, and information campaigns.