Sajad Lone Calls NC's Daily Wager Promise 'Magic & Mythology'

J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Sunday issued a sharp critique of the administration's handling of daily wagers’ regularization, denouncing National Conference's second election manifesto promise as "magic and mythology.

- Observer News Service

In a meticulously structured statement, Lone delivered a data-driven rebuttal of what he views as the government's misleading narrative. Providing a factual overview, he stated, "The official count of Daily Wagers is 61,000. That is the official count. But there are claimants and this number could exceed to 100,000."

Continuing his breakdown, Lone laid out the stark fiscal reality underpinning the issue. "As on date the daily wagers are paid 9,000 per month per person. For 61,000 daily wagers the total salary bill as on date should be 658 crores approximately," he noted.

He then addressed the cost implications of regularization, stating "We will assume that the government will pay minimum salary, which is ?27,580 approximately. So extra to be paid is 27,580 minus 9,000 equals 18,580 approximately. For 61,000 daily wagers the extra finances needed will be ?1,356 crores per annum approximately.