Samba Workers’ Conference: Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary Distributes ₹84 Lakh, Vows Social Security for Labourers

SAMBA, March 06, 2026 — Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the workforce, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary described labourers as the backbone of the economy during a Workers’ Conference organized by the Labour and Employment Department at Ambedkar Bhawan, Bari-Brahmana.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted a major legislative shift with the introduction of four new Labour Codes—consolidating 29 central laws—designed to ensure universal minimum wages, gender equality, and enhanced occupational safety across both organized and unorganized sectors.

Demonstrating the department’s active support, Choudhary distributed financial assistance totaling ₹84,07,071 among beneficiaries under various JKBOCWWB and ESI schemes, noting that ₹14.27 crore has already been disbursed this financial year to settle 493 labour welfare cases.

To modernize grievance redressal, the government has transitioned 23 services to a digital Single Window System and established the “Shram Mitra” 24×7 toll-free helpline, alongside the “Shramik Warta” initiative for direct worker-official dialogue.

The Deputy Chief Minister further announced plans for dedicated conferences for women workers and the construction of “Labour Sarais” to provide dignified accommodation for migrant workers, ensuring a transparent and worker-friendly ecosystem throughout Jammu and Kashmir.