JK Regularisation Policy: Govt Says No Rigid Timeframe Yet
Cites multiplicity of categories and financial burden as reasons for delay; Says uniform framework being formulated to be legally enforceable across all departments
Srinagar, Sep 24 : The Jammu and Kashmir government has ruled out setting a rigid timeline for the regularisation of casual, seasonal, and need-based workers in the Union Territory, stating that a high-level committee is still examining the complex legal, administrative, and financial implications of the long-pending issue.
In a written reply to a starred question raised by CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami during the autumn Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, Minister In-Charge as per Kashmir Convener stated that the committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, is formulating a “uniform framework” that is legally enforceable and administratively implementable across all departments.
The committee was constituted via Government Order No. 384-JK(GAD) of 2025 dated March 19, 2025, to examine the matter.
Responding to Tarigami’s query on the present status of the committee’s report, the government stated that the matter concerns a “diverse set of workers engaged at different points in time under varying terms and conditions of engagement.”
“The proposed policy is required to conform to the applicable statutory provisions, legal position, prescribed recruitment framework while duly accounting for the consequential financial implications,” the reply stated.
The government emphasized that the committee is undertaking a comprehensive examination to ensure the framework is viable, noting that consultations with concerned departments from administrative, legal, and financial perspectives are required before a final policy decision is taken.
Significantly, when asked about the proposed time-frame for submitting the committee’s report and ensuring a “fair, transparent and time-bound resolution,” the government declined to commit to a deadline.
“The Government is conscious of the need for structured and sustainable resolution of the matter. The issue is under active consideration, and efforts are being made to complete the requisite examination and consultations at the earliest,” the reply read.
“However, in view of the multiplicity of categories involved and the legal, administrative and financial implications of any decision, it would not be appropriate to indicate a rigid timeframe at this stage,” it added.
The government attributed the delay to the need for comprehensive examination and reconciliation with the established framework governing employment.
In a separate query, Tarigami asked about the contours of a policy for the “compassionate engagement” of eligible family members of workers who died in harness while awaiting regularisation. The government replied that this specific aspect is “not part of the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Committee.”
The government assured the House that a considered decision will be taken only after the completion of the examination of all relevant aspects and the receipt of requisite inputs from concerned departments and authorities.
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