Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, February 13, 2026: The retrenchment controversy at the Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project has intensified after the State Centre Labour Union (SCLU), District Committee Kishtwar, formally approached the Regional Labour Commissioner seeking an immediate stay on a fresh retrenchment notice issued by the project management. The union has termed the move “illegal, arbitrary and in violation of labour laws,” warning that it may trigger industrial unrest in the district.
In a detailed representation dated February 12, 2026, SCLU District President Ajaz Ahmed Sheikh alleged that Jaiprakash Associates Ltd., executing works at Pakal Dul HEP, Dangduro, Kishtwar, issued a retrenchment list vide Ref. No. JAL/P&A/RET./2026/1149 dated 11.02.2026, which contravenes provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
The union pointed out that the retrenchment list includes workers who were allegedly downgraded last month and whose dispute is already pending before the Conciliation Officer. Conciliation proceedings in the matter are scheduled for February 20, 2026. Citing Section 33(1)(a) of the Act, Ajaz Ahmed Sheikh stated that during the pendency of conciliation proceedings, an employer is prohibited from altering service conditions or taking punitive action, including retrenchment, without prior permission of the authority before whom the dispute is pending. Any such action, he maintained, is illegal and void.
The representation further alleged that the retrenchment list also includes “Protected Workmen,” which, according to the union, is in violation of Section 33(3) of the Act. As per legal provisions, no protected workman can be retrenched without prior approval from the appropriate authority.
The union also claimed that the management failed to follow the principle of “Last Come, First Go” under Section 25G and did not properly comply with mandatory requirements under Section 25F, including issuance of notice and payment of retrenchment compensation.
Accusing the management of unfair labour practices, Sheikh alleged that regular workers are being removed while work at the project continues with engagement of contract labour in their place. Such actions, he said, amount to victimisation and defeat the objective of the Industrial Disputes Act.
Describing the Pakal Dul project as one of national importance, the union president urged the Regional Labour Commissioner to exercise powers under Section 12 read with Section 33 of the Act and immediately stay the operation of the retrenchment notice dated 11.02.2026. He also sought directions restraining the management from taking any coercive steps until completion of conciliation proceedings fixed for February 20.
Copies of the representation have been forwarded to the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, SSP Kishtwar, Assistant Labour Commissioner Kishtwar and other concerned authorities.
With tensions mounting among workers, the latest development has once again brought the retrenchment issue at Pakal Dul HEP into sharp focus. The project management, however, has not issued any official response to the allegations so far.
