RAWALAKOT (Kashmir English): The district administration in Poonch has announced strict action against private institutions and businesses that fail to pay their employees the government-set minimum monthly wage of Rs. 37,000.
According to an official notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Poonch, private schools, hospitals, and other business centers in the district have been warned to comply with the wage law. The move comes as part of efforts to enforce recent directives from the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir aimed at protecting workers’ rights.
The notification instructs all concerned institutions in Poonch to submit details of their employees’ salaries, along with copies of national identity cards and proof of June 2025 salary payments. Acceptable proof includes payroll records, bank statements, or sworn affidavits. These documents must be submitted to the DC Office in Rawalakot by August 7, 2025.
Officials warned that any institution that fails to meet the deadline or does not follow these instructions will face legal action.
To support this initiative, Assistant Commissioners in Poonch have been directed to create lists of all private educational institutions, hospitals, and commercial centers in their respective subdivisions. They are also required to personally notify each institution and submit delivery receipts along with compliance reports to the DC Office.
The administration has made it clear that no negligence will be tolerated, and all responsible parties must ensure timely compliance.
This decision is seen as a major step toward improving labor standards and enforcing the minimum wage policy across Poonch. Local residents and workers have welcomed the announcement, hoping it will bring greater accountability among private employers.
