Delhi Metro contract workers denied minimum wages

New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) The government admitted Monday that a section of contract workers in Delhi Metro have not been paid minimum wages.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment K. Suresh told the Lok Sabha that this had been revealed by the Regional Labour Commissioner.

He said Delhi Metro had been hiring workers through contractors for construction and maintenance work including in ticketing, security and cleaning.

"It has been reported by the Regional Labour Commissioner that there have been some cases where workers have not been paid minimum wages," Suresh said in a statement.

"Similarly, it has been noticed that certain employees covered under Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act and Employees State Insurance Act have not been extended benefits under these acts."

The minister listed the number of claim cases filed by affected workers, the number of cases decided by labour authorities, and the amount awarded to these workers.

He said proceedings had been initiated against three errant companies, and a police complaint had been registered against a fourth company.

A show cause notice had also been issued to Delhi Metro, he said.