Sanitation employees unpaid for four months, strike called

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Contractual employees under the Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission at the Zilla Parishad level, serving nearly two decades, have not received salaries for four months, severely affecting their families.

They manage open-defecation-free villages, solid waste and sewage, water supply implementation, field inspections, beneficiary coordination, online records, and report submissions. Despite unpaid honorariums for October 2025–January 2026, they continue their duties.

The Maharashtra State Water and Sanitation Employees Action Committee has called a statewide strike from February 4 and an indefinite sit-in from February 9 at ministers’ residences, State Mission office, and Azad Maidan, Mumbai. This may impact the 2026–27 Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) action plan, inspections, reports, online records, and daily administrative work.

While the department approves schemes, disburses large funds, and appoints suppliers, honorarium delays persist. The Action Committee has informed the Principal Secretary and Zilla Parishad administration; the issue stems from state-level fund and administrative delays. A complaint has also been filed with the Human Rights Commission.

— Ramakant Gaikwad, state president, Action Committee