Jammu,11-Feb: State President, Apni Trade Union, Ajaz Kazmi on Friday demanded a high level probe in the rising number of electrocution cases among the PDD employees who along with their families have to bear the brunt of such ominous casualties. In a statement issued to Kazmi hailed the immense contributions of such adroit sections working in the PDD but also expressed dismay over the treatment received by them. “Though this zealous and hardworking section of the department has worked relentlessly for the convenience of the people, their immense sacrifices have never been acknowledged. Many family members of such deceased casual labourers are facing hard times because their bread winners were not kept at par with those officials who are permanent. Even though their lives were lost in service, very little concern has been exhibited by the government for the welfare of their families,” he said. Kazmi said yesterday a PDD employee was electrocuted in Muqam village of Baramulla and even last week atleast three employees received 15% burns while repairing a wire in Rawalpora. “Negligence is this matter cannot be winked over rather must be equated with a clood blood murder. Such erring officials need to be out on trial whil department should also provide protective gears to the men at work for their safety,” he said. He also reiterated his demand for the regularization of casual labourers in PDD whose pleas have been kept in abeyance for a long time now. “The government should exhibit magnanimity by adjusting these dexterous workers besides extending pay hikes and other related benefits to them so they can also earn a dignified livelihood,” he said.(CNS)
