Protest Erupts at Ayurvedic Hospital in Chhota Shimla Over Unpaid Wages
Shimla, August 1:
Sanitation and security staff at the Ayurvedic Hospital in Chhota Shimla staged a strong protest on Tuesday under the banner of CITU (Centre of Indian Trade Unions), voicing anger over non-payment of wages for the past four months. The workers also raised slogans against the hospital administration over the termination of several security personnel.
Protesters accused the hospital of violating labour laws and exploiting workers. A delegation later met with the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, demanding immediate release of pending salaries and reinstatement of the dismissed employees.
Warning of Disruption to Sanitation Services
CITU State President Vijender Mehra warned that if the demands are not met promptly, sanitation services at the hospital will be suspended, and the agitation will be intensified. He said that workers are not receiving timely salaries, are being denied leaves, and are not provided with ID cards or salary slips.
He further alleged that employees are being forced to work extra hours without additional pay and are not being given statutory benefits such as EPF and ESI. Even the uniforms that are supposed to be provided twice a year have not been issued, he added.
Serious Allegations Against the Administration
Mehra claimed that all this is happening openly under the watch of the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat and the Labour Commissioner’s office, yet no action is being taken. He alleged collusion between labour officials and contractors, saying that the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 is being blatantly violated.
CITU has warned that if labour laws are not enforced strictly, the protest will escalate further and hospital operations may come to a complete standstill.
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