CITU Demands Immediate Implementation of Rs 23,196 Minimum Wage in Haryana
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has escalated its campaign for fair wages in Haryana, sending a formal letter to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday. The labour body is urging the state government to immediately notify and enforce a minimum wage of Rs 23,196, as unanimously recommended by the State Minimum Wage Committee in its ninth meeting held in Panchkula. This demand starkly contrasts with the newly announced wage of Rs 15,200, which CITU has labeled as far too low and insufficient to meet the rising cost of living.
Historical Delays and Economic Justifications
In its communication, CITU highlighted significant delays in wage revisions, pointing out that the last minimum wage adjustment was implemented on November 1, 2015. According to legal mandates, wages should be revised every five years, making the due revision in October 2020 overdue by nearly six years. Jay Bhagwan, CITU general secretary, emphasized this lapse, stating, "The due revision in Oct 2020 was delayed by many years, violating the statutory requirement." During committee deliberations, CITU had initially demanded Rs 30,000 as the minimum wage, based on rigorous price index and cost-of-living calculations. However, after the committee's approval of over Rs 23,000, the union insists that this amount must be officially notified and enforced without further delay.
Protests and Police Crackdown in Gurgaon and Manesar
The wage issue has sparked widespread unrest among industrial and garment workers in key industrial hubs like Manesar and Gurgaon. Thousands have been protesting for days, demanding a fair wage revision. However, the administration's response has been met with severe criticism. CITU's letter detailed that police action, including the imposition of Section 163 and the use of force, was deployed against protesting workers. The letter termed this crackdown "wrong and unjustified," citing reports of lathi charges, detentions, and injuries among workers. Satvir, a CITU office-bearer, reiterated the demand for the cancellation of FIRs filed against workers during these peaceful mobilizations.
Comprehensive List of Demands from Labour Unions
Beyond the wage issue, CITU and associated labour bodies have put forth a series of demands to address the broader grievances of workers. These include:
- Immediate notification and implementation of the Rs 23,196 minimum wage as recommended by the state panel.
- Withdrawal of Section 163 imposed in Manesar and Gurgaon to restore normalcy.
- Cessation of police action and the immediate release of all detained workers.
- Provision of medical care and compensation for workers injured during the protests.
- Establishment of counters to supply LPG gas cylinders to workers at government rates.
- Ensuring double wages for overtime work in strict adherence to legal provisions.
- Withdrawal of all punitive actions taken against protesting workers.
- Guaranteeing ESI/EPF benefits for all workers to secure their social security.
The unions argue that these measures are essential not only for economic justice but also for upholding the dignity and rights of labourers in Haryana. As the state grapples with these demands, the spotlight remains on the government's next steps in balancing industrial growth with worker welfare.
