JMC workers raise long-pending demands; Billawaria assures fair policy and housing regularization

JAMMU: A delegation from the Jammu Municipal Corporation Employees Union met with Baldev Singh Billawaria, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu & Kashmir General Secretary and former Deputy Mayor Jammu, at the BJP headquarters to present a memorandum outlining their demands.

The delegation was led by Rinku Gill, President of the Municipal Corporation Employees’ Union and the key issue highlighted was the disparity in employment practices: while employees in Srinagar Municipal Corporation are appointed on a casual basis, those in Jammu Municipal Corporation are employed on a contract basis.

The delegation emphasized several long-standing and legitimate demands of municipal employees, particularly those residing in Jammu’s Safai Saathi colonies. Despite several generations living in these colonies for decades, residents have yet to receive formal ownership rights or regularization of the government-allotted land and houses.

The delegation stressed that while municipal employees are responsible for maintaining the city’s essential civic infrastructure, their own living conditions remain uncertain and insecure.

Responding to the memorandum, Baldev Singh Billawaria stated, “Municipal employees are the backbone of the city’s cleanliness, order, and public service, and ensuring justice for them is a priority for the BJP.” Addressing the disparity in employment practices between Srinagar and Jammu Municipal Corporations, Bilawaria said, “This inconsistency in rules and appointment processes within the same region is unjust. Such discrimination adversely affects employee morale and efficiency.

There is an urgent need for the Union Territory (UT) government to implement a fair and uniform policy to ensure equal opportunities, rights, and working conditions for all municipal employees.” He further stated, “It is disheartening that despite years of dedicated service, many JMC employees and their families remain deprived of basic entitlements such as regularization and ownership rights.

The issues raised by the delegation are entirely justified, and I personally assure that these matters will be effectively taken up with the government and relevant departments.” Billawaria reaffirmed BJP’s commitment to inclusive development, guided by the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” ensuring the prosperity and respect of every section of society.

He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on recognizing and improving the lives of Safai Saathis and municipal employees and assured that efforts will be made to provide them with secure, dignified, and permanent housing rights. He concluded by stating that BJP remains committed to employee-friendly policies, and discussions will continue at the appropriate levels to ensure positive resolution of all pending matters.

The party’s objective is to provide every citizen and employee in Jammu & Kashmir with equal opportunities, robust civic infrastructure, and transparent administration, thereby fostering overall regional development. Prominent BJP leaders included Vice President Rekha Mahajan, former MLC S. Charanjit Singh Khalsa, and former Councillor Sheela Handoo.