Despite revised wage rules meant to ensure fair pay and stop labour exploitation, many outsourced workers in Bhopal’s government institutions say they are still underpaid and unheard.
From October 1, 2024, the Madhya Pradesh government revised minimum wages across all worker categories. Unskilled labourers are entitled to Rs 10,225 per month—Rs 6,500 as base pay and Rs 3,725 as Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA). Semi-skilled workers are to receive Rs 11,082, while skilled and highly skilled categories are supposed to get Rs 12,460 and Rs 13,760 respectively. These updates aim to account for inflation and the rising cost of living.
Yet, several contract workers hired through private agencies allege they are paid less than these statutory amounts.
Multiple complaints have emerged from government hospitals in the city, including Hamidia, JP, and the 100-bed Civil Hospital. Workers say they are underpaid, not paid on time, and that earlier promises made during recruitment have been abandoned.
In January, over 200 contract workers at Hamidia Hospital were dismissed suddenly, leading to ongoing protests. Similar unrest has been reported at JP Hospital, where over 90 outsourced employees claim they are receiving less than minimum wage under contractor OP Indoriya.
“The department doesn’t release adequate funds. How am I expected to pay salaries?” Indoriya said. Meanwhile, Civil Surgeon Dr Rakesh Srivastava has not responded to repeated queries.
At the Civil Hospital, workers say they have not received proper wages for months. Several also allege they were threatened with termination for protesting or speaking out. Some, speaking anonymously, shared names and audio recordings with The Pioneer to back their claims.
One data entry operator alleged that Indoriya took Rs 15,000 at the time of hiring, promising minimum wage and eventual regularisation. “Now he doesn’t even pay the full salary. He deducts from our wages, and when we question him, he tells us to resign,” the worker said.
A female employee added, “We can’t even fight for our rightful earnings. What kind of democracy are we living in? We lack influence, and that’s why we’re being taken advantage of. The officials and ministers are just ignoring us.”
Around 20 workers at the 100-bed hospital are reportedly facing similar conditions.
Hospital workers are not the only ones to suffer, just before Eid ul-Adha, sanitation workers under the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) held a protest, saying they receive only Rs 6,000 per month and often face long delays in payment.
Other government departments show a similar pattern. At Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), some outsourced employees say they haven’t been paid. In Nazirabad’s Primary Health Centre, seven workers claim they have not received salaries in over a year.
“This is a widespread issue,” said social activist Mrinalini Singh Sengar, who is advocating for the workers. “Most of these outsourcing contractors fail to pay properly and keep shifting the blame. Civil Surgeon Rakesh Srivastava, contractor OP Indoriya, and the CMHO must be held accountable. The administration must initiate a proper investigation. I’ve already filed an RTI and am awaiting a response.”