Srinagar, Apr 04 (KNO): The Government of India (GoI) has said that around 13,800 contractual workers are currently engaged across various projects of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and its joint ventures in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Replying to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Power, Shripad Naik, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), informed that these workers are employed through contractors for execution of project-related works in different locations of J&K.
The GoI further stated that NHPC ensures that wages paid to contractual workers are higher than the minimum wages notified by the competent authority. The wage structure also includes statutory and welfare benefits such as Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), bonus, and gratuity.
Besides, the contractual workforce is covered under social security schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), along with mediclaim benefits. Workers are also entitled to leave with wages, national holidays, and provisions for conveyance, uniforms, and other facilities.
Meanwhile, the Centre informed that the total number of regular employees working in NHPC Limited across the country stands at 4,590 as of March 1, 2026—(KNO)