Srinagar, Nov 21: The All J&K Water Testing Laboratories Staff Association, led by Chairman Mohsin Atta Bhat, expressed satisfaction over Chief Minister Umar Abdullah’s statement in the cabinet on Friday.
The Chief Minister assured that a roadmap for regularizing temporary employees, including contractual staff, is under process.
In a statement issued to Kashmir Convener, Bhat stated that the association has full faith in the current government and hopes the Chief Minister will fulfill his promises. However, he voiced concerns over delays in the finance department regarding the honorarium enhancement file for water testing laboratory employees, which has been pending for over a year.
“These employees, who have been working tirelessly for the past 12 years, are governed by NRDWP/JJM guidelines. It is unfortunate that they are not being paid as per the 2012 guidelines, unlike counterparts in other states who receive double the amount with a 10% annual increment,” Mr. Bhat said.
He highlighted that despite significant funds under JJM schemes, only a minimal portion is allocated for water quality monitoring. He lamented that highly qualified employees, recruited through a proper selection process similar to the JKSSB, are treated unfairly and not given their due recognition.
Mr. Bhat emphasized the vital role played by water testing laboratory employees, who operate NABL-accredited laboratories and conduct regular physiochemical and microbiological tests. Results are promptly uploaded to the Chief Engineer’s monitoring cell and communicated to the Union Ministry of Rural Drinking Water. Additionally, employees have conducted extensive community training programs, including workshops for Panchayats, women, and students, to ensure access to safe drinking water in rural areas.
The association chairman urged the government to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of these employees by enhancing their honorarium until a comprehensive job policy is framed.
In his appeal to the Chief Minister and the Jal Shakti Minister, Mr. Bhat called for immediate intervention on humanitarian grounds. He warned that if the authorities fail to act, the employees are prepared to protest for their basic rights.
The association also called on all water testing laboratory employees to unite and fight for their cause collectively.
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