JAMMU: In a significant step towards promoting transparent governance and effective grievances redressal in the labour sector, the Labour Commissioner Jammu and Kashmir S. Charandeep Singh today launched a new initiative titled “Shramik Warta”.
The innovative programme is designed to establish direct communication channels with workers and labourers across the Union Territory through virtual platforms. The core objective of Shramik Warta is to ensure prompt and time-bound resolution of genuine labour-related grievances, while fostering accountability and responsiveness within the Labour Department.
During the inaugural session held today, the Labour Commissioner interacted virtually with all 20 Assistant Labour Commissioners (ALCs) of the UT and personally heard the grievances of around 45 complainants from various districts. The Labour Commissioner, J&K attentively listened to each grievance and issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned officers for early redressal.
The issues raised by the complainants primarily revolved around payment of wages, gratuity, compensation, shop registration and issuance of labour cards. Several complainants expressed satisfaction with the swift action taken by the Labour Department, appreciating the initiative as a much-needed platform for direct resolution and communication.
One of the complainant, Mr. Prince Sharma of Siot, Rajouri, of M/S AM Agencies (CFA & Distributors for Procter & Gamble India Pvt. Ltd. and Gillette India Ltd.) employed as a Comber with a monthly salary of ₹15,115/-, brought out his grievance regarding non-payment of salary and dues TA, and retention incentives. He filed a complaint on 19.06.2025 under the Payment of Wages Act, 1936. The Labour Department acted promptly, issuing notices to the employer the same day. A hearing was held on 02.07.2025 before the Labour Court, Rajouri, following which the employer was directed to pay ₹75,979/-. The amount was transferred to the worker on the same day, resolving the grievance within 15 days through timely departmental intervention. Similar other issues were also resolved during the WARTA.
Reinforcing the department’s commitment, S. Charandeep Singh directed the district-level officers to organize awareness camps across the UT. These camps aim to sensitize the labour force about their rights, entitlements, and welfare schemes available under various labour laws and policies.
He further reiterated that Shramik Warta is not just a grievance redressal mechanism but a step toward streamlining departmental processes, fostering transparency, and enhancing collaboration between field functionaries and the labour force. He announced that every Wednesday at 10:30 am to 11:30 am will be designated as the day for direct interaction between workers and the concerned authority, ensuring consistency and accessibility for all stakeholders.
The launch of Shramik Warta marks a progressive shift in labour administration in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that the voices of workers are heard and their rights are protected in a proactive and systematic manner.