Mid-Day Meal and Agricultural Workers Stage Peaceful Protest in Kulgam, Demand Minimum Wages and Pending Salaries

Danishwar Hameed 

KULGAM, JULY 26:Mid-Day Meal (MDM) workers and agricultural staff from various government departments across south Kashmir’s Kulgam district held a peaceful protest today at the District Headquarters, demanding the implementation of minimum wage norms and the release of long-pending salaries.

Holding placards and raising slogans, the protesting workers decried what they called a "grave injustice"—receiving a meagre ₹30 per day for their services. They described the amount as inhumane and grossly inadequate to sustain their basic livelihood.

“We have been working with sincerity and dedication, but the wages we receive are insulting. It is high time the administration implemented minimum wage laws for us,” said one protester.

The workers further alleged that they have not received their salaries for over a year, leaving many of them financially distressed. Several protesters said they were forced to borrow money to make ends meet due to the prolonged delay in payments.

Appealing to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and local representatives, the workers urged for immediate redressal of their grievances. “We are not asking for charity, but for our rightful dues,” one of the agitating workers said.

The demonstration concluded peacefully. However, the protesters warned that if their demands are not met soon, they will be compelled to intensify their agitation in the coming days.