Ladakh moves toward one-time rationalisation of workforce, CS Kundra reviews remuneration framework

Proposal covers DRWs, part-time, seasonal and consolidated workers; CPI-linked pay structure, central verification committee under consideration

LEH: The UT Administration of Ladakh has initiated deliberations on a proposed one-time rationalisation of workers engaged across government departments, with Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra directing officials to ensure a transparent verification process and a remuneration structure responsive to inflation and changing living costs.

Kundra chaired a meeting at the Secretariat Conference Hall in Leh on Friday to examine the proposed rationalisation of Daily Rated Workers (DRWs), Part-Time Workers, Seasonal Workers and Consolidated Workers engaged by various departments.

Commissioner Secretary, Finance Department, Tsewang Tharchin, presented a department-wise assessment of the existing and proposed remuneration structure for unskilled, skilled and highly skilled workers. He also briefed the meeting on the proposal to constitute a Central Verification Committee for verification of the existing workforce and the requirement for revision of S.O. 117.

Director Finance Kaneez Fatima outlined the applicable rules, minimum wage benchmarks and categorisation of workers according to their skill levels.

A key direction emerging from the meeting was that the proposed remuneration structure should be linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) so that wages take into account inflation and changes in the cost of living.

The Chief Secretary also directed officials to prepare a comprehensive snapshot of the aggregate workforce in the UT, covering permanent, consolidated, contractual and other categories of workers. The exercise is intended to provide a clearer picture of the existing workforce before undertaking rationalisation.

The meeting further emphasised the need for systematic and transparent verification of workers and rationalisation of remuneration in conformity with prescribed rules and applicable benchmarks.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Finance Department Tsewang Tharchin, Additional PCCF S. Rajesh, Deputy Commissioner Leh Romil Singh Donk, Director Finance Kaniz Fatima, besides Heads of Departments and other senior officers and officials.