HMDA contract workers seek pay hike at Prajavani

Contract workers of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) in the Buddha Purnima Project in Hussain Sagar limits, struggling financially for years, sought an increase in pay as per GO Ms. 60 at Prajavani. In all, 588 people submitted their grievances at the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Praja Bhavan on Tuesday.
When asked Workers Union president J Kumar Swamy said that all contract workers in housekeeping and sanitation for the Budha Purnima Project were paid Rs13,600 monthly by contractor Ixora Corporate Services Pvt. Ltd. from July 1, 2021, to February 2021, as per GO Ms. No. 60. However, when Krishna Constructions took over, the pay dropped to Rs 9,400, reducing each worker’s monthly earnings by Rs 4,211. Swamy called this reduction unfair and against natural justice.
When the union workers raised this with the Budha Purnima Project authorities, they were informed that GO Ms.11 (dated January 17, 2012) would replace GO Ms. No. 60. Swamy highlighted that this cut affects workers struggling with rising living costs and harsh working conditions.
He emphasised that while they perform similar tasks as regular workers in other HMDA projects, they are not only denied minimum pay scale but also face significant wage cuts.
On behalf of 173 workers, Swamy, along with 20 other workers, submitted the application at Prajavani and noted that the officials responded positively.  
Meanwhile, the workers mentioned that only a free bus scheme for female workers has been implemented by the new administration with no other welfare schemes implemented properly even after 10 months in office. The workers urged for immediate action and called for a State-wide protest if their problem is not solved soon.
According to the officials, 221 applications were received for minority welfare, 84 for electricity, 55 for revenue department, 98 for PR & RD department, four for Pravasi and 126 for other departments.