Shadow Correspondent
JAMMU, JAN 21:
All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) today urged the ruling National Conference-led Omar Abdullah for immediate payment of pending wages of Mali-cum-Chowkidars working in Panchayat buildings across the Union Territory and demanded that they should be provided permanent employment.
Addressing a press conference here, Anil Sharma, the UT president of AJKPC highlighted the plights of “Mali-cum-Chowkidars”, saying these individuals, who donated their lands to the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department two decades ago, continue to face hardships despite assurances from successive governments.
Sharma said these workers had not only provided land but also personally financed the fencing and ensured its legal registration in the government’s name through court procedures. “In return, they were promised free accommodation and employment as Mali cum Chowkidars. However, even after 20 years, their grievances remain unaddressed,” he said.
He appealed to the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, and Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Javed Ahmed Rana to intervene and resolve the long standing issues of these individuals.
He emphasized the urgency of clearing their pending wages, which have been delayed by various Block Development Officers (BDOs), and questioned the reasons behind this negligence.
“The government must fulfill its promises and recognize the sacrifices these workers made for the Panchayati Raj system,” Sharma asserted.
He urged the administration to formulate a comprehensive policy to provide permanent employment to Mali cum Chowkidars and ensure their rights under the Panchayati Raj framework.
Earlier, hundreds of Mali-cum-Chowkidars gathered in Jammu city to echo these demands, calling for their regularization, the release of pending wages, and fair treatment. The gathering highlighted the frustration of workers who have waited decades for justice and permanent employment.
Sharma concluded by urging the authorities to act swiftly, ensuring these workers receive the dignity and recognition they deserve for their contributions to the Panchayat system.
