May Day observed with reverence at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu

• Minister Satish, Nasir, Sadhotra and Gupta pledge to uphold Labour Rights, pay tributes to Pahalgam terror victims

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) today observed International Labour Day with solemnity and resolve at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu, reaffirming the party’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the working class.

 The occasion was graced by prominent party leaders including Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, IT, Youth Services & Sports, ARI & Trainings, Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to the Chief Minister; MLA Gurez Nazir Gurezi; Ajay Sadhotra, Additional General Secretary and former Minister; Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President; Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Provincial Secretary; and others.

The programme commenced with a two-minute silence in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and those who laid down their lives during the historic Haymarket Massacre in Chicago, a defining moment in labour history.

On the occasion, Nar Singh, President JKNC Labour Cell, presented a memorandum to the Minister and Advisor to the Chief Minister, detailing the pressing concerns of the labour class. He highlighted the urgent need for the government to address issues such as the implementation of minimum wages, regularization of daily wagers, casual and consolidated workers, revival of loss-incurring PSUs, abolition of contract labour in the private sector, creation of employment-generating non-polluting industries, timely DPCs, pension benefits to PSU workers, enhancement of budgetary support to PSUs, and resolution of issues like CPF interest loss and industrial policy implementation.

Minister Satish Sharma, in his remarks, said, “The foremost responsibility of the Omar-led government is to safeguard the rights and respect of labourers." The Minister informed that a committee has already been constituted to address the grievances of daily wagers and casual workers. He also announced the proposal of two new IT parks under the visionary leadership of CM Omar Abdullah would generate massive employment for local youth and also emphasized the need to strengthen the cooperative sector. He assured full support for the demands raised by the Labour Cell, stating, “We are by the people, of the people, and for the people.”

Nasir Aslam Wani, while addressing the gathering, said that May Day is not just a ritual; it is a day to honour the contribution of our labourers. Our labour force is the backbone of our economy, and it is our responsibility to ensure their dignity, rights, and welfare are safeguarded. The present NC Government under the leadership of Omar Abdullah is fully committed to the upliftment of our skilled local youth and revival of industries to generate employment.

Speaking on the recent Pahalgam terror incident, Nasir Aslam Wani condemned terrorism in the strongest terms and stated, “The National Conference stands firmly with the nation and fully supports the Centre’s measures to eradicate terrorism. Our country will no longer tolerate cross-border terrorism, and Pakistan must face the consequences of its misadventures. Ajay Sadhotra stressed the necessity of implementing minimum wages, streamlining the provident fund system, and providing pension benefits to labourers. He called for optimal utilization of labour welfare funds for the benefit of workers and their families.

Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, in his address, highlighted the party’s legacy of advocating for the working class, describing labour welfare as an essential component of the “Naya Jammu and Kashmir” vision. He praised the enduring commitment of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah to the upliftment of the weaker sections and acknowledged Nar Singh’s dedication to the cause of the labour community. He urged the government to appoint a representative from the labour community in the Board of Director of each Govt undertakings to ensure their issues are addressed effectively. 

The Provincial President assured that NC would continue raising their concerns at the highest levels. He reiterated that the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to industrial revival to provide employment to skilled local youth, citing the historic glory of Kashmir’s silk industry as an example of the region’s potential. The event concluded with a renewed call for solidarity and justice for the labour class, reflecting the core values and commitment of the National Conference to build a just and equitable society.

Among those who were present included: Baldev Raj, Karan Singh, Swaran Singh, Deep Mehra, Vinod Tak, Deepinder Kour former MLC, Bushan Lal Bhat former MLC, Pardeep Bali, Ayub Malik Provincial Secretaries Jammu, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, S. Tejinder Singh Provincial President Jammu YNC, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Jugal Mahajan Treasurer, Laxmi Datta Senior leader, Raghbir Singh Manhas District President Jammu Rural A, Naresh Bittu Jammu Rural B, Ashok Kumar Attri Vice President Central Zone, Master Aslam Secretary Central Zone,Sahil Kerni District President Jammu Urban YNC,  Pinky Khalsa District President Jammu Urban Women Wing, Waris Gill President Christian Cell, Ashwani Charak Block President Jammu East, S. Gurnam Singh Block President Jammu West, Dharminder Block President Jammu North, S. Parvinder Singh Block President Gandhi Nagar, Dr. Vishal Parihar Vice President Jammu Province YNC, Majid Iqbal Naik, Jatin Bhat, Jatinder Singh Lucky, S. Nirmal Singh, Som Raj Taroch, Jatinder Kumar, Jaseem Malik,  Devi Dayal Jogi Block Secretary Khour, Manga Sharma, Amit Sharma and others.