SRINAGAR: Marking International Labour Day, the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has urged the government to place comprehensive labour welfare at the heart of Jammu and Kashmir’s industrial growth strategy, calling it not only a social responsibility but a vital component of sustainable and inclusive development.
In a meeting of its Advisory Committee chaired by Shahid Kamili, FCIK paid tribute to the dedication of industrial workers across the region, emphasising their crucial role in driving economic development. The Committee said workers form the “backbone” of Jammu and Kashmir’s progress and deserve recognition not only in rhetoric but through concrete welfare measures embedded in policy.
The Committee expressed concern that the welfare of industrial workers — particularly in urban clusters like downtown Srinagar as well as in rural and semi-urban belts — continues to be neglected, with many living in precarious conditions. It called on the government to ensure that the current review of the Industrial Policy integrates strong, enforceable provisions for labour welfare.
FCIK demanded the introduction of reimbursement mechanisms for Employers’ and Employees’ Provident Fund contributions and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), especially to support Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which often find it difficult to bear these costs. The federation also proposed broader welfare schemes, including bonuses, paid holidays, and other incentives to enhance worker satisfaction and retention.
Further recommendations included housing support for industrial workers under state-sponsored schemes, scholarships for their children, and financial aid for key life events such as marriages. The Committee said such steps would not only improve living standards but foster a more stable and motivated workforce.
Calling for a cultural shift in how skilled workers are viewed, the Committee stressed the need to elevate the social status of vocational professionals, who often go unrecognised. It proposed state-led recognition programmes and awareness campaigns to promote the dignity of labour and encourage youth to pursue skill development rather than relying solely on public sector jobs.
“To make industrialisation truly people-centric and sustainable, the fruits of economic growth must reach both skilled and unskilled workers,” the Committee stated, adding that institutionalising these measures could help steer the aspirations of young people toward entrepreneurship and skilled employment.
FCIK reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to create a more inclusive, progressive, and dignified industrial ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
