PGI contract workers’ panel accuses management of withholding dues worth over Rs 80 cr

The PGIMER Contract Workers Unions’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) chairman Ashwani Kumar Munjal on Thursday said that despite a 2018 government notification and a 2019 Punjab and Haryana High Court order reinforcing the contract workers’ right to parity, the institute has failed to implement them in full. According to the JAC, the government has done its part, but the PGIMER administration is “deliberately holding” back dues.

Accusing the PGIMER administration of misusing ESMA and withholding wages worth Rs 80–90 crore that are due to thousands of low-paid contract workers, the JAC has filed a formal complaint, demanding the registration of an FIR against the PGIMER Director, the Principal Employers, and the Union Health Secretary under Section 7(1) of the Haryana Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1974.

On invoking the ESMA at the PGIMER on August 11 for six months, the JAC argued that while the ESMA ensures continuity of essential services, it also obligates employers to regulate wages and service conditions under Sections 6 and 7 of the Act.

Citing government directions, the JAC said the Ministry of Labour had in 2018 ordered equal wages for contract workers doing the same work as regular staff, a directive later upheld by the high court in March 2019. On July 30 this year, the Centre issued a fresh notification enforcing wage parity from January 2024.

The JAC alleged that despite clear directions, arrears of more than Rs 80 crore have not been released. It further accused the PGIMER administration and the Union Health Ministry of “autocratic functioning”.

On Thursday, JAC chairman Munjal wrote to the UT DGP, demanding that a gazetted officer be appointed to probe the case. The union warned that continued denial of dues could disrupt essential services at the institute.

The JAC alleged that the PGI administration and the Union Health Ministry have not disbursed arrears worth more than Rs 80 crore to contract workers.

Groups B, C, and D contract employees are among those still waiting for their pay revisions. Kitchen staff members are owed nearly five months’ arrears, while sewer workers, sanitary supervisors, and inspectors have been kept under consideration for months despite written assurances.

Staff posted at Sangrur, Una, and other satellite centres are also awaiting payments worth over Rs 3.24 crore. Beyond wages, workers allege they continue to be denied basic entitlements such as proper working hours, medical leave, maternity benefits, and bonuses.

The JAC has warned that the prolonged delay is pushing contract workers, who form the backbone of the hospital, into financial distress, and that they have served PGIMER for decades, yet their basic rights are being denied.