Polity & Governance
Migrant workers in Kashmir face curfews and social security gaps amid rising tensions
What happened
Hundreds of migrant workers in Kashmir report heightened fear and restricted movement due to recent curfews, while also struggling with limited access to social security benefits. The situation highlights the vulnerabilities faced by internal migrants in conflict-prone regions amid ongoing tensions.
Key facts
bullet: Over 500 migrant workers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are reportedly stranded in Srinagar due to sudden curfews imposed in July 2026.
bullet: Only 12% of migrant workers in Kashmir have registered under the ISMW Act, leaving most without access to provident fund or insurance benefits.
bullet: Construction sites in Srinagar and Baramulla remain shut for 18 days in July-August 2026 due to curfews, affecting an estimated 20,000 workers.
bullet: The Jammu & Kashmir Labour Department has not updated its migrant worker database since 2023, complicating welfare outreach.
bullet: Workers report wages being withheld for up to 3 months due to delayed payments from contractors amid curfew restrictions.
Context
bullet: Kashmir has historically relied on migrant workers from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal for sectors such as construction, agriculture, and hospitality. bullet: Internal migration in India is governed by the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (ISMW) Act, 1979, which mandates registration, wage protection, and social security for migrant workers. bullet: Kashmir has faced recurring cycles of unrest, including curfews and internet shutdowns, which disrupt daily life and economic activities. bullet: Social security schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) are intended to cover unorganised sector workers, including migrants.