Katra-Reasi Railway Project: M/s Patel Engineering Ltd harassing its workers, alleges CITU, meets CS Vyas

Srinagar: A two member delegation of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) comprising of State President M Y Tarigami and General Secretary Om Prakash on Friday submitted a memorandum of demands with Chief Secretary of J&K.

The duo met B B Vyas, Chief Secretary, and submitted a memorandum of demands of workers engaged on Railway Project Katra -Reasi.

“The workers have demanded payment of minimum wages as per Central Government notification for all categories of workers such as skilled, semi-skilled and un-skilled, EPF & ESI from date of joining of the worker to be deposited in Provident Fund and ESI offices, issuance of Identity cards to all workers under ESIC scheme and 90% recruitment to be made among local residents of the project sites,” the memorandum read.

A  statement issued by M Y Tarigami who represents Kulgam assembly segment in J&K Legislature, the other demands include wage slips, annual EPF, tunnel allowances, weekly off, safety measures, overtime payment, first aid and rest room facility.

“The union has stated that the workers are being victimized and harassed by the Management of the Company M/s Patel Engineering Ltd and urged the Chief Secretary to intervene in the matter for settlement and resolution of their issues including reinstatement of the workers who have been terminated,” it said.

“The Chief Secretary assured the delegation of timely settlement of the issues and resolution of just demands of the workers,” the statement informed.