Nagpur-based social activist Yash Gaurkhede, who was previously associated with the Cockroach Janata Party and recently announced a political outfit called the Bharatiya Janbadlaav Party, has alleged that labourers engaged by a contractor working for the state Public Works Department (PWD) were being paid below the prescribed minimum wage. Gaurkhede is also known for his social media presence and frequently appears in online videos.
He claimed that he later attempted to meet the Chief Engineer of the Nagpur division of the state PWD, identified as Sambhaji Shivaji Mane, to raise the matter. Around 40 labourers employed by the contractor were receiving between Rs 8,000 and Rs 9,000 per month, according to Gaurkhede. He alleged that after he raised the issue, the wages of 17 workers were increased to Rs 12,000 per month.
He was initially unable to meet the official as a departmental meeting was in progress and was advised by a staff member to take up the issue with the contractor instead, according to Gaurkhede.
Gaurkhede alleged that he then entered the chamber where the meeting was being held and was asked whether he had an appointment.
He said he responded by reminding the official of his responsibility as a public servant and the need to address the workers’ grievances. The chief engineer assured him that efforts would be made to facilitate the reinstatement of the affected workers, according to Gaurkhede. The activist said he intends to pursue the matter further and seek payment of the workers’ allegedly unpaid dues.
