Navi Mumbai: Approximately 7,000 contractual employees of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) are poised to receive an additional Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 in monthly wages, contingent upon the approval of a proposal at the next general body meeting scheduled for May 20. The proposal, drafted by Leader of the House in NMMC and former Mayor Sagar Naik, follows persistent demands from the Shramik Sena Sanghatana (SSS) of the NMMC Unit, which highlighted that many contractual workers struggle to manage on their current pay despite being compensated under the Equal Work Equal Pay and Minimum Wage Act.
Political and Union Support
Forest Minister Ganesh Naik has endorsed the proposal, emphasizing the need to deliver justice to the employees. Ram Chavan, secretary of the SSS-NMMC Unit, expressed confidence in the proposal's passage, stating, "In order to provide Civil Service Operation Special Allowance, this proposal will definitely be unanimously approved by Mayor Sujata Patil, Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat, and the NMMC commissioner as well."
Union's Ongoing Efforts
Charan Jadhav, general secretary of SSS, noted that at least one significant employee issue would be resolved during each general meeting. Rajusingh Chavan, chairman of the SSS-NMMC Unit, added, "Every employee will be given a special allowance so that everyone can experience Diwali before Diwali. SSS appeals to everyone to be present at the NMMC headquarters in large numbers to share the joy on May 20."
Impact on Workers
Sagar Naik elaborated that the proposal would bring relief to approximately 7,000 families who have endured hardship for several years on minimum wages. He remarked that these wages were "accounted for Rs 20K" at a time when inflation severely affected contractual workers, including road sweepers and domestic garbage collectors. "We are hopeful that the proposal will pass unanimously for the welfare of so many employees," Naik concluded.
