On 9 October, contractual workers of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and other institutions staged a protest demonstration at Shrameva Jayate Bhawan in Delhi, the office of the Deputy Central Labour Commissioner, demanding an end to the theft of workers' bonus, extortion, and fraudulent salary practices. The protest was led by All India General Kaamgat (AICCTU) and several organisation joined in solidarity.
The protest highlighted that contractualisation has become a tool to deny workers their basic rights. Under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, every worker is entitled to a bonus of 8.33 percent of their salary. Despite assurances from the JNU administration last year, contractual workers have yet to receive the legally mandated bonus.
Protesters also exposed widespread extortion and corruption. Several officials, including the sanitation inspector of JNU and staff of Rakshak Securitas Pvt Ltd, allegedly demanded bribes ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 to secure employment. Economically marginalised Dalit workers have been particularly targeted. Complaints have been filed with the police and JNU administration, but no inquiry or action has been taken. The protest further condemned the misuse of the Biometric Attendance System, which has resulted in illegitimate reductions in attendance and salaries of workers.
The protest called for immediate enforcement of workers’ rights, accountability of corrupt officials, and rollback of fraudulent attendance systems.
