Srinagar, Feb 6: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented the second annual budget of Rs 1,13,767 crore, but thousands of daily wagers and anganwadi workers expressed disappointment as their long-awaited regularisation and honorarium hikes were not addressed.

Abdullah appreciated the workers’ public service but did not announce any concrete measures. A high-level committee, headed by Chief Secretary Atal Dullo, had been tasked last year to frame a roadmap for regularising daily wagers and ad hoc labourers. The CM said the government would consider a structured, phased regularisation plan based on the committee’s recommendations but gave no timeline.
Around 61,000 daily wagers across 59 departments expressed frustration, calling the budget announcements vague. Sajad Parray, president of the Daily Wagers Union, said the government was merely buying time and continuing the neglect of workers.
Anganwadi workers and helpers also voiced disappointment as their monthly honorarium remains unchanged at Rs 5,001 (workers) and Rs 2,550 (helpers), with UT contributions being minimal. Hanifa Mir, representing 59,000 workers and helpers, highlighted that J&K pays the lowest honorarium in the country and urged the government to either implement the Minimum Wages Act or increase the UT share.
The Chief Minister assured timely release of pending payments, but workers said honorarium and incentives have been unpaid since last year. Abdullah also stated there is no plan to revise honoraria for lumberdars and chowkidars of the revenue department, currently paid Rs 1,500 monthly.
The budget left workers frustrated, raising concerns over delayed reforms and low compensation despite their crucial role in public service.