Hakeem Yaseen urges government to increase honorarium for frontline workers ahead of Budget 2026

• Demands honorarium hike for frontline workers ahead of budget 2026
• Seeks amnesty and 50% electricity bill waiver to ease public burden
• Aganwadi Workers and Casual labourers backbone of essential services
• Workers’ Welfare Key to Efficient Public Service Delivery

SRINAGAR: President Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen on Saturday called upon the Jammu and Kashmir government to take immediate steps to enhance the honorarium and working conditions of thousands of employees serving across multiple departments, ahead of the presentation of Budget 2026.

Speaking on the issue, Hakeem Yaseen highlighted that Aganwadi workers, PDD, PHE, R&B, NYC employees, Aganwadi helpers, HDF staff, and especially casual laborers, have been contributing tirelessly for decades and deserve proper recognition and financial support. Addressing the media, Hakeem Yaseen said these workers are the backbone of essential services in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Despite their long-standing commitment and continuous service, many of them continue to struggle due to meager honorariums and lack of proper benefits. It is imperative that the government acknowledges their contributions and ensures their livelihoods are protected through adequate financial support in the upcoming budget.”

He pointed out that Aganwadi workers and helpers, who are primarily engaged in child care, nutrition, and early childhood education, play a critical role in the social development of the region. Similarly, employees in departments like PDD, PHE, R&B, NYC, and HDF have been delivering essential services under challenging conditions for years, often without adequate remuneration.

“Casual laborers, who form the most vulnerable segment of the workforce, have been working continuously without job security or fair wages,” he said. Hakeem Yaseen urged that the government ensure that Budget 2026 addresses these long-standing issues by providing substantial increases in honorarium, along with additional benefits such as health coverage, social security, and regularization of service wherever possible.

He stressed that recognizing the contributions of these workers would not only improve their quality of life but also motivate them to continue serving the public with greater dedication. The PDF President also underscored that the welfare of these employees has a direct impact on the delivery of public services to citizens.

“Strengthening the welfare of frontline workers is essential for the overall development and smooth functioning of governance in Jammu and Kashmir. These workers have been serving selflessly, often in difficult and remote areas, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure their service is acknowledged and rewarded appropriately,” he said.

Hakeem Yaseen urged all stakeholders, including policymakers and the administration, to prioritize the welfare of these dedicated employees in the forthcoming budget deliberations. The PDF President also demanded that the government announce a general amnesty for the people and waive off 50 percent of electricity bills to provide immediate relief to common households.

He said rising electricity charges and accumulated arrears have placed a heavy financial burden on ordinary citizens, particularly those from economically weaker sections. “Granting amnesty and waiving 50 percent of electricity bills will give common people a much-needed sigh of relief. This step will ease public distress and restore trust between the administration and the people,” he said. He reaffirmed PDF’s commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of workers who have been the silent pillars of Jammu and Kashmir’s development for decades.