Hundreds Protest Under Employees’ Union Banner, Slam Exploitation of Contractual Workers in Education Department
Chandigarh:
Under the banner of the Class IV Employees Union – Education Department, Chandigarh, and led by President Annu Kumar, hundreds of Class-IV workers staged a forceful protest near Sector-20 Jama Masjid grounds to press for their long-pending demands, particularly equal pay for equal work and permanent employment.
Raising slogans against the administration and education department, workers expressed deep resentment over 16 years of unfulfilled promises.
Annu Kumar highlighted the exploitative conditions faced by Group-D workers hired under the DC Rate and outsourcing model, stating that these workers, despite performing full-time year-round duties, are denied permanent status and fair wages, forcing their families into economic hardship.
“We’ve held numerous discussions with officials, but received only empty promises. There has been no concrete action,” said Kumar.
Ashok Kumar, National President of the All Contractual Employees Federation of India, added historical context, pointing out that the DC Rate was introduced in 1941 under British rule for single-day labor and is unfit for year-round employment today.
Citing the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, he said that PGI has begun paying outsourced employees Basic Pay + DA under the Equal Pay for Equal Work principle, in accordance with Section 25 (2)(v)(a) of the Contract Labour Act, 1970-71. He criticized the Education Department for ignoring central guidelines and continuing wage discrimination.
Union Chairman Pal Singh and General Secretary Jony Kumar demanded that all direct DC Rate and outsourced workers in the education sector receive Basic Pay + DA, ensuring a minimum standard of living.
Other key demands included:
- A 4-hour fixed duty and half-salary on DC rate for Mid-Day Meal workers.
- Emergency medical facilities for all employees.
- Gratuity benefits for contractual workers retiring at 60 years of age.
The protest concluded with union leaders issuing a clear warning—if their demands are not met promptly, the movement will escalate statewide.
