Navi Mumbai Civic Body Accused Of Exploiting SC Workers

The Samaj Samata Kamgar Sangh has accused the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) of exploiting Class IV contractual workers, the majority of whom belong to the Scheduled Castes.

A delegation from the union met members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s Scheduled Caste Welfare Committee during their visit to the civic headquarters on Tuesday and submitted a memorandum detailing alleged irregularities and injustices.

The union claimed that nearly 8,000 workers are employed under the contractual system, with 70% from Scheduled Castes, and that there are no permanent Class IV employees. They alleged that workers are paid less than the mandated wages despite orders from the deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde to comply with legal provisions.

Further allegations include inflated billing for allegedly non-existent workers, inadequate basic facilities, and the absence of any medical insurance or welfare scheme for the workforce. “In the Solid Waste Management Department, bills are raised for 3,500 workers, but only about 2,000 actually work. Similarly, the Garden Department pays for 800 workers, while just 450 are on duty,” the union stated.

The union also criticised the civic body for inviting only select organisations to interact with the visiting committee, calling it an insult to Scheduled Caste workers. They demanded immediate corrective measures and action against those responsible for the alleged scams.