J&K Assembly debate intensifies over legislators’ salary hike and workers’ demands (Images: Dynamite News)
Srinagar: A political clash erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly over the proposed increase in salaries and allowances of legislators, with BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma raising concerns about the priorities of the government. Sharma argued that before enhancing the financial benefits of elected representatives, attention should be given to daily wage workers, Anganwadi employees and other contractual staff who have been waiting for regularisation and improved benefits.
The debate began after National Conference legislator Altaf Kaloo displayed documents in the House and alleged that signatures of BJP members were present in support of a salary hike proposal for lawmakers.
Objecting to the issue being turned into a political confrontation, Sham Lal Sharma said the concerns of lower-paid workers should be addressed first. He questioned the need for increasing legislators’ remuneration when several categories of employees continue to seek regularisation, financial support and other facilities.
Sharma highlighted the struggles of daily wagers, Anganwadi workers and casual employees, saying their demands required greater consideration.
The controversy follows the withdrawal of Bills related to amendments in salaries and allowances of the Chief Minister, ministers and members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah withdrew the proposed salary revision Bills on September 29 after objections were raised by BJP legislators. BJP members argued that the Bills should not move forward without wider consensus in the Assembly.
Omar Abdullah questioned the objections raised by BJP members, stating that the House committee that recommended the salary revision had not submitted any dissenting note. However, after the discussion and objections, the Bills were withdrawn, and the Assembly later passed a vote of thanks on the matter.
The controversy has brought attention to the contrasting priorities being discussed inside the J&K Assembly. While the proposed increase in legislators’ salaries and allowances triggered debate, BJP members stressed the need to address issues related to workers, contractual employees and those awaiting regularisation.
The issue has added another layer to discussions over governance priorities and public welfare in Jammu and Kashmir.
