PGI Chandigarh contract workers to launch indefinite fast over pending wages, dues
PTC Web Desk: Contract workers at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, have decided to launch a chain hunger strike demanding the release of Rs 90 crore in pending wages approved under the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s notification dated July 30, 2025.
The decision was taken during a general body meeting held today by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of contract workers in front of Shri Hari Mandir inside the PGI campus. The protest aims to compel the authorities to release the pending wages as per the earlier notification issued under Rule 25 of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Rules, 1971.
The JAC has resolved to begin a chain hunger strike daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The general body has approved the protest, and the JAC Executive Committee will soon finalise the date for commencing the strike. The committee also plans to issue formal notice to the PGI administration in the coming days.
According to JAC chairman Ashwini Kumar Munjal, the PGI Director had, on August 12, 2025, given a written assurance to release the due wages as per the July 30, 2025 government notification. However, he failed to fulfill the commitment, and the assurance has now proven to be “false and misleading.”
In addition to wage-related demands, the committee is also seeking medical facilities for contract workers, including maternity leave benefits for women employees, payment of bonuses, appointment of relievers on vacant posts, and withdrawal of harassment-related cases against workers.
The chain hunger strike will be held near the residential complex adjacent to the State Bank of India, PGI campus, in support of the contract workers’ “legitimate and justified” demands.
- PTC NEWS
