Srinagar, March 10: The All J&K Water Testing Laboratories Staff Association has expressed strong resentment over the recent budget proposal, calling it an injustice to water testing laboratory employees.
Chairman Mohsin Atta Bhat criticized the budget for excluding the long-awaited regularization of employees, leaving many temporary workers in uncertainty despite their years of dedicated service in the Jal Shakti Department.
Bhat stated that the employees had been hopeful for their regularization since the formation of the new Jammu and Kashmir government, as it was part of the JKNC manifesto. He lamented that despite working honestly and diligently for decades, their services remain unrecognized by the authorities.
“Most of us have crossed the upper age limit, leaving us without alternative employment options. Instead of addressing our demand for regularization, the budget has focused on the accreditation of 98 laboratories, even though most of them are already NABL accredited, and the remaining are in the process. Why prioritize accreditation over the welfare of employees?” Bhat questioned.
He urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take immediate steps to resolve their long-pending demand, as many employees are struggling with meager wages and their families are on the brink of starvation.
Bhat also pointed out that the enhancement of honorarium file, which was approved in 2023 by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Jal Shakti Department, is still pending in the Finance Department, despite numerous efforts.
Making a fervent appeal to the Chief Minister, Bhat called for the inclusion of water testing laboratory employees’ regularization in the current budget, emphasizing that resolving this issue would strengthen the sector and allow laboratories to function more efficiently under the government’s capable leadership.
