Lucknow/Raichur: Raising strong concerns over the condition of contract labourers, R. Mansayya, National General Secretary of the Trade Union Centre of India (TUCI), demanded either regularisation of contract workers or implementation of “equal pay for equal work.”
He was addressing a district-level contract workers’ conference organised by TUCI on April 24 at the Pandit Siddarama Jambaladinni Rangamandira in Raichur, where he inaugurated the event.
Mansayya alleged that economic policies adopted by successive central and state governments have reduced labour into the “cheapest commodity,” even as prices of essential goods continue to rise. He criticised what he termed a system of “wage theft,” claiming that both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress have allowed practices where maximum work is extracted for minimum wages.
Highlighting disparities in pay, he pointed out that while permanent employees in government departments earn between ₹40,000 and ₹70,000 for similar work, contract labourers are often paid less than ₹10,000–₹15,000. He described the outsourcing system, prevalent for decades in several departments in Karnataka, as exploitative and called for its immediate abolition.
Citing constitutional and legal provisions, Mansayya asserted that until regularisation is ensured, contract workers must be paid wages equivalent to permanent employees, in line with provisions under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) framework.
Call for Unity and Awareness
In his opening remarks, TUCI State Secretary M. Gangadhar stressed that unity among Group C and Group D employees across departments is essential to dismantle the outsourcing system.
Journalist Suresh Bhadravati highlighted the extent of labour exploitation, noting that many workers remain unaware of the full impact of contractual arrangements. He called for intensified awareness campaigns and urged workers to remain cautious of “false promises” by ruling establishments, asserting that sustained struggle is the only way forward.
TUCI State President M. D. Amir Ali also criticised labour policies of both central and state governments, advocating for a more radical political approach to address workers’ issues.
Wide Participation Across Sectors
The conference saw participation from representatives of multiple sectors, including healthcare (Group D), community health services, RIMS nursing staff, KREIS residential schools, wind energy, agricultural universities, Tungabhadra irrigation projects, MGNREGA workers, and Hutti Gold Mines. Speakers from these sectors expressed solidarity and shared their challenges under the contract labour system.
The event also featured cultural performances by artists associated with the RCF collective, adding a creative dimension to the gathering.
The programme was presided over by TUCI District President Comrade G. Adivirao, while District Secretary Comrade D.K. Lingasugur conducted the proceedings. The welcome address was delivered by Comrade M. Niranjan Kumar.
Future Course of Action
The conference concluded with the adoption of a key resolution to organise a larger Kalyana Karnataka-level contract workers’ conference in Kalaburagi in December 2026, aimed at strengthening the movement and consolidating demands for labour rights.
