SRINAGAR: Raising concerns over livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir’s mining sector, MP Baramulla Abdul Rashid Sheikh on Friday told the Lok Sabha that thousands of local truck drivers, tractor drivers and other labourers were losing work opportunities as mining companies increasingly outsourced labour from outside the region.
Speaking during the ongoing session, Rashid said that the mining sector had long been a crucial source of income for people living along river belts and quarry sites, but locals were now being sidelined. “Thousands of our men earn their living through rivers and quarries, but sadly, workers are now outsourced from outer regions,” he said.
The MP added that the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir had distanced itself from the issue by saying the matter fell under the Lieutenant Governor’s administration. “If it is not in their hands, then I request the central government to intervene,” he said.
Rashid stressed that there were “no government jobs” in Jammu and Kashmir and that the mining sector remained one of the few available avenues for employment. He urged the Centre to ensure that local, educated but unemployed youth working in mining were given preference in hiring.
“Livelihood of thousands depends on these rivers. Preference must be given to locals. Please, for God’s sake, convey this to the government,” he appealed.
