MCD Approves Rs 50 Crore Budget for Salary Parity of Domestic Breeding Checkers
In a significant move addressing long-standing demands, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's deliberative wing has announced an additional annual budget allocation of Rs 50 crore. This decision aims to ensure pay parity for approximately 4,000 domestic breeding checkers (DBCs), who have been advocating for equitable compensation for years.
Details of the Salary Revision
Currently, most DBCs receive a monthly minimum wage of Rs 20,496. However, 272 workers have been drawing Rs 27,900 per month following a resolution passed by the erstwhile north corporation. Under the new plan, all DBCs will now receive a uniform monthly salary of Rs 28,000. This adjustment brings them at par with other contractual employees who have similar experience, adhering to the principle of equal pay for equal work.
The salary revision is expected to be reflected in MCD's final budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh emphasized that the Bharatiya Janata Party has fulfilled its promise to the multi-tasking staff. He stated, "We delivered on our commitment to multi-tasking staff. During the budget session, leader of the house Pravesh Wahi will formally announce and seal the decision."
Background and Protests
MCD has been employing domestic breeding checkers since 2010. Over the years, these workers have held several protests highlighting pay disparities and the non-creation of official posts. This situation denied them the benefits extended to regular staff members. In 2024, under the Aam Aadmi Party government, they were designated as multi-tasking staff, but the issue of pay regularisation remained unresolved until now.
The matter was raised in a house meeting last October, bringing it to the forefront of municipal discussions. According to sources within MCD, this move could potentially trigger similar demands from other multi-tasking staff employees. If such demands arise, it might result in an additional annual financial burden of around Rs 400 crore for the corporation.
Reactions and Additional Budget Measures
Devanand Sharma of the Anti-Malaria Ekta Karmachari Union welcomed the decision, expressing relief and approval for the long-awaited pay parity. In addition to this allocation, MCD's finalised budget is considering several other relief measures:
- Exemptions or concessions in property tax payments for houses up to 500 square metres in Delhi villages.
- A one-time financial assistance of Rs 21,000 each to 11 widows from each of the 250 wards.
- A proposed creche facility for employees' children at the Civic Centre.
These initiatives reflect MCD's broader efforts to address employee welfare and community support within Delhi's municipal framework.
