Archive · 19 Sep 2025
PGIMER Contract Workers Allege Withheld Dues Exceeding ₹80 Crore
Imagine you work at a hospital, but you're hired through a special company.
Many workers at PGIMER in Chandigarh are waiting for money they're owed, like back pay and benefits.
The government said they should get the same pay and benefits as regular workers, but the hospital hasn't given it to them.
The workers say the hospital owes them over ₹80 crore!
They've asked the police to investigate, and they warn that if they don't get their money, the hospital's important services might be affected.
PGIMER contract workers are owed over ₹80 crore in wages and benefits.
Workers are seeking arrears and benefits despite government approvals and court orders.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) accuses the PGIMER administration of withholding dues.
The JAC has filed a complaint and demanded an FIR.
Workers from various departments and satellite centers are affected.
- Who
- PGIMER contract workers and PGIMER administration
- What
- Contract workers allege withholding of over ₹80 crore in dues and benefits.
- When
- Since at least 2018, with recent developments in July and August 2024.
- Where
- PGIMER, Chandigarh and satellite centers.
- Why
- Workers claim PGIMER has failed to implement government directives regarding equal pay and benefits.
Contract Workers' Perspective
PGIMER Administration's Potential Stance
Wage Parity Implementation
Contract Workers' Perspective
Demands full implementation of equal pay and benefits as per government directives and court orders.
PGIMER Administration's Potential Stance
Likely cites financial constraints, administrative hurdles, or ongoing review as reasons for delays in implementing the orders.
ESMA Application
Contract Workers' Perspective
Claims the invocation of ESMA does not excuse the non-payment of wages and benefits and highlights the obligation to regulate service conditions.
PGIMER Administration's Potential Stance
Might argue that ESMA is necessary to maintain essential services while the financial issues are addressed.
- Affected Workers
- Thousands of contract workers
- Dues Owed
- Over ₹80 crore
- Entities Accused
- PGIMER administration, Union Health Ministry
- Actions Demanded
- FIR against PGIMER Director, Principal Employers, and Union Health Secretary
- Legal Basis for Claims
- Contract Labour Rules, Govt. notifications, and court orders
- Key Personnel
- Ashwani Kumar Munjal, JAC chairman