Jammu, March 4, 2025: The Shiv Sena (UBT) has strongly urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to rectify wage disparities and ensure fair compensation for daily wage earners, aligning their pay structure with that of the Union Territory of Ladakh. Addressing the media, Shiv Sena UBT state chief Manish Sahni called upon Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to enhance the honorarium of temporary employees and expedite their regularization.

Sahni highlighted the stark wage difference between Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, pointing out that the Ladakh administration has fixed salaries for temporary employees between Rs 28,950 and Rs 45,300, depending on their service tenure. In contrast, daily wage earners in J&K receive only Rs 311-449, while mid-day meal cooks in government schools earn an abysmal Rs 1,000 per month—equivalent to just Rs 33 per day.

"This wage disparity is a grave injustice. The central government has already set a minimum daily wage of Rs 783 to Rs 1,035. Why should J&K’s workers suffer? We demand immediate wage revisions to ensure justice for these hardworking individuals," Sahni asserted.

He also called on all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), regardless of their political affiliations, to unite in support of the workers' cause. General Secretary Vikas Bakshi was also present at the press conference.

Liquor Ban During Ramzan: A Respect for Religious Sentiments

In a separate appeal, Sahni demanded the closure of liquor shops in Muslim-majority areas of Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan. While advocating for a complete ban on liquor in the Union Territory, he urged authorities to at least restrict sales during significant religious periods.

"Many Muslim citizens have expressed their anguish over the continued sale of liquor during Ramzan. If authorities cannot impose a total liquor ban, they should at least prohibit sales in Muslim-dominated areas during this sacred month as a mark of respect," Sahni stated.

A local resident of Pahalgam, Shafi, voiced concerns about liquor sales near the Shri Amarnath Yatra base camp, even during the pilgrimage and the holy month of Ramzan. "This deeply hurts religious sentiments," he lamented.

Sahni urged the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister to take immediate action on both these critical issues, ensuring fair treatment for daily wage workers and upholding religious sensitivities during Ramzan.