Srinagar, Jul 30: As part of its continued efforts to strengthen labour governance and promote awareness of recent labour law reforms, the Labour Department, organised a Stakeholder Awareness Programme on the Labour Codes here on Thursday.
The programme was attended by representatives of various trade unions from across Kashmir and served as a platform for constructive dialogue on labour rights, social protection, and regulatory reforms. The programme commenced with the registration of participants, followed by the inaugural session.
Delivering the introductory address, S. Charandeep Singh, Labour Commissioner, J&K, highlighted the significance of the Labour Codes in creating a modern, transparent, and worker-centric labour administration. He emphasised that sustained awareness among trade unions and other stakeholders is essential for ensuring smooth implementation of the new labour law framework and for safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers. He said that the Department remains committed to promoting awareness, strengthening institutional capacity, and fostering collaborative partnerships with all stakeholders to facilitate effective implementation of the Labour Codes.
The Labour Commissioner also urged trade unions to act as vital partners in disseminating awareness among workers and ensuring that the benefits of labour reforms reach every workplace.
The programme was graced by Pawan Kumar Parihar, Special Secretary to Government, Labour & Employment Department; Umesh Sharma, Additional Secretary to Government, Labour & Employment Department; Masarat Hashim, Deputy Labour Commissioner (Central); and Najwan Nazki, Deputy Labour Commissioner, Kashmir.
The technical sessions were conducted by Peer Zameer Ahmad, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Anantnag; Zamir Ali Ganie, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Budgam; and Waheed Ahmed, Under Secretary to Government, Labour & Employment Department. The resource persons provided comprehensive presentations on the key provisions of the Labour Codes, including workers’ rights, employer obligations, registration mechanisms, compliance requirements, grievance redressal, and the evolving framework of labour welfare and social security.
The dignitaries appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and constructive social dialogue for ensuring effective implementation of the Labour Codes.
An interactive question-and-answer session followed, during which representatives of various trade unions actively participated by raising practical issues and seeking clarifications on different aspects of the Labour Codes. The resource persons responded to the queries in detail, making the session highly engaging and informative.
Dr. Adnan Khawaja, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Srinagar, expressed gratitude to the distinguished dignitaries, resource persons, representatives of trade unions, and all participants for their active participation and valuable contributions towards the success of the programme.
The Labour Department reaffirmed its commitment to organising similar stakeholder outreach programmes across the Union Territory to build awareness, encourage dialogue, and facilitate effective implementation of the Labour Codes for the benefit of both workers and employers.
