SRINAGAR, Feb 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has prepared a comprehensive Vision Document aimed at overhauling labour welfare and governance in the Union Territory, with a key focus on making Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) an integral component of minimum wages to protect workers against inflation.
This was informed by the Labour and Employment Department in the Legislative Assembly while replying to a question by legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami.
The Government said the Vision Document has been prepared on the basis of recommendations of a committee constituted in April 2024 to examine issues relating to labour welfare.
The document, as per the Government, outlines a strategic framework to strengthen labour welfare and governance, including strengthening enforcement of labour laws, modernisation of inspection systems through a Central Automated Inspection mechanism, improvement of conciliation and quasi-judicial processes for timely resolution of labour disputes.
It also includes scientific and regular revision of minimum wages, enhancement of awareness of labour rights through information, education and communication initiatives, capacity building of departmental manpower, elimination of child and bonded labour, and promotion of skill development in line with emerging employment sectors.
The Vision Document, the Government said, also envisages the incorporation of Variable Dearness Allowance as an integral part of minimum wages to offset the impact of inflation and safeguard the real wages of workers.
At present, the document is under examination and will be updated in consonance with the implementation of the new Central Labour Codes, the Government informed, adding that the incorporation of VDA will be undertaken in a phased and time-bound manner.
On the issue of delay in disbursement of financial assistance to the dependents of deceased registered labourers, the Government said it remains fully sensitive to the hardships faced by such families and is committed to ensuring timely and dignified financial support.
It said the welfare of construction workers and their dependents continues to remain a priority.
The department attributed delays mainly to statutory requirements, stating that registration of a construction worker requires completion of a minimum of 90 days of employment and renewal of registration is subject to production of a valid employment certificate.
It said the J&K Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board undertakes annual renewal of registrations after due verification to maintain authenticity of beneficiaries and safeguard public funds, a process that, though rigorous, is essential to ensure accountability in disbursement.
The Government also referred to the institutional transition following the enforcement of four new Central Labour Codes from November 21, 2025, after the repeal of 29 earlier labour enactments.
Under the new legal framework, provisions have been made for constitution of new welfare boards, including the National Social Security Board, the State Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Board, and the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board.
In view of this transition, the Government said it has taken up the matter with the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment seeking clarification regarding continuation of disbursement to registered construction workers and constitution of boards, and that the response is awaited.
Despite this, the Government said the J&K Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board continues to function in its core areas, including registration of workers, issuance of labour cards, and renewal of registrations.
It said a meeting of the Board chaired by the Chief Minister on July 24, 2025, approved major welfare disbursements, with expenditure of over Rs 6,764 lakh incurred on education, health and other assistance during the financial year 2025-26 up to December 2025.
On whether the Government intends to conduct a department-wide audit of wage payments to identify discrepancies between skill levels and wages, the Labour Department said it is committed to ensuring compliance with notified wage rates and regularly carries out inspections and enforcement drives to verify adherence.
Regarding revision of minimum wages, the Government said it had issued a notification in October 2022 revising minimum rates for scheduled employments, which remains in force across the Union Territory.
It added that minimum wages are reviewed periodically and that the interval between revisions does not exceed five years, ensuring alignment with inflation and cost-of-living trends.
