Following demands raised by the staff working on contract at the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC)— including 1,400 cleaners and 250 drivers — a decision has been taken to start minimum wage for them.
Minimum wages will also be paid to contract staff of the Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) as well as the Badlapur Municipal Corporation.
In addition, the Social Justice Department Scheme for Sweepers, which has been introduced by the Centre, will soon be implemented at all municipalities and municipal corporations.
The workers had been demanding minimum wages and payment of pending difference for some time now. They were also demanding that they be paid their wages by the 7th of every month and be given all the required safety gear and personal protective equipment.
The difference between minimum wage and salary will be calculated with effect from February 2015 to November 2016, and be paid in five instalments. While two have already been paid, the third will be paid this month and the remaining two will be paid next year.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation continues to reel under dearth of funds. Apparently, instead of the allotted Rs 1,000 crore, NDMC has received only about Rs 200 crore from, which is causing all the salary issues.
Last month, matters had reached a point where the Delhi government had even asked the three municipal corporations (MCDs) to either pay salaries to doctors and other health care workers in their hospitals immediately or hand over these facilities to the city administration.
