Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has taken strict action against its water supply operator, Orange City Water (OCW), after receiving multiple complaints about non-payment of minimum wages to employees. The civic body has ordered a 25% deduction from all ongoing bills of OCW and instructed the bank to act accordingly.
Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijeet Chaudhari had set up a probe committee on August 1 to examine the allegations. The committee comprised Additional Municipal Commissioner (General) Ajay Charthankar, Superintending Engineer (PHE) Dr. Shweta Banerjee, NESL Executive Director Shrikant Waikar, Executive Engineer (Water Works) Prashant Barde, Law Officer Pramod Bhasme, and Junior Engineer.
The inquiry found that OCW had repeatedly failed to submit proof of minimum wage payments, despite several reminders from NMC. Instead, the company claimed that the matter was being handled by the Additional Labour Commissioner, yet did not provide any documentary evidence. The committee concluded that OCW was in violation of the Minimum Wages Act and was deliberately withholding facts.
Following these findings, the NMC has decided to serve OCW a legal notice for breach of contract, cautioning of possible penalties and even termination of its agreement. The corporation reiterated its commitment to ensuring all contractors comply with labour laws and guarantee fair wages to their workforce.
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