An open letter to Delhi University Vice-Chancellor drawing attention to the plight of 150 safai karamcharis who were recently terminated from employment has gathered over a thousand signatures online.
The termination of workers, who were employed for varying number of years, followed the expiry of the previous contractor, Sulabh International, the letter states. The new contractor laid off the workers without notice or explanation, it adds.
Among the workers laid off, include a section of people who had filed a case against Sulabh in the labour court for non-payment of fair wages, ESI and PF. However, Delhi University administration has distanced itself from the issue as it does not have a say in the hiring policy of the contractor.
The letter demands reinstatement of the workers, who sat on a protest at the Arts Faculty on May 1with permanent employment and full benefits. It also raised questions on why the university had not given even verbal assurance to look into the matter.