Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, Feb 12: Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL), executing the 1000 MW Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project in Dachhan area of Kishtwar district, has announced the retrenchment of 98 daily wage and supply labour workers following a significant reduction in manpower requirements at the project site.
According to an official communication dated February 11, 2026, addressed to the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, the company stated that more than 80 percent of the project work at the Pakal Dul Dam, located at Village Dangduru, Dachhan, has been successfully completed. With the advancement of the project towards completion, the requirement of manpower has “significantly decreased.”
The management stated that surplus manpower had initially been engaged during the early phase of the project due to work pressure and mass strikes. However, in view of the current project status and revised operational needs, an internal assessment was undertaken, which concluded that certain workers have now become surplus to requirements.
“In compliance with the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (Central Rules), particularly Section 25F, the company management has decided to reduce/retrench 98 surplus daily wage workers/supply labour in the first phase from 12-03-2026,” the letter reads. The company has issued a one-month advance notice with effect from 12-02-2026.
The list of affected workers has reportedly been enclosed with the communication for official perusal.
Copies of the letter have also been forwarded to the Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar, Regional Labour Commissioner (Central) Jammu, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Kishtwar, Assistant Labour Commissioner Kishtwar, Tehsildar Dachhan, General Manager (HOP) PDHEP CVPPL Kishtwar, and SHO Dachhan/Police Chowki Incharge Dangduru for information.
The decision is expected to impact dozens of local families dependent on the project for livelihood. However, there has been no immediate reaction from workers or labour representatives at the time of filing this report.
Further developments are awaited.
