JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday stressed the need to simplify rules and procedures to ensure timely and hassle-free disbursement of benefits under various welfare schemes for workers across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing a meeting with representatives of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) at the Civil Secretariat, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized enhanced outreach and effective implementation of government welfare initiatives for workers and their families.
Among those present were MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, CEO/Secretary of the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Munir Ul Islam, Labour Commissioner Charandeep Singh and other senior officers.
Choudhary directed officials to expedite cases related to death compensation, marriage assistance, wage dispute resolution and other welfare claims to safeguard workers’ interests. He also called for seamless functioning of Assistant Labour Commissioners (ALCs) and prompt redressal of grievances of registered workers.
Highlighting transparency, he urged trade unions to act as a bridge between workers and the administration to ensure maximum coverage under welfare schemes. Representatives raised issues including amendments to the Kashmir Constructional Workers Union constitution, CITU’s representation in the Welfare Board, and introduction of pension and housing loan schemes.
The Deputy Chief Minister assured that all genuine concerns would be examined sympathetically to strengthen the welfare framework for workers in the Union Territory.
