‘Workers Are Starving, And You...’: SC Rebukes Delhi Government for Paying Only 2,000 Instead of 8,000 to Workers

In a strongly worded criticism, the Supreme Court today came down heavily on the Delhi government for not providing relief to construction workers from the pollution crisis. Hearing a petition related to control of pollution, the Court questioned the Delhi government on the method of distribution of "Gujara Bhata" (subsistence allowance) to workers.

The Delhi government informed the Court that it had already paid ₹2,000 to 90,000 construction workers. However, the Court quickly pointed out that the workers were supposed to receive ₹8,000. The Court expressed concern over the workers' plight, questioned the Delhi government's action, and asked, "What do you want, these workers to starve?"

The Chief Secretary of Delhi responded to the Court and assured them that the remaining ₹6,000 would be provided to the workers by the next day. However, the Court was unsatisfied with such an explanation and took a stand tough against the same. The Court further asked whether notice had been issued for the registration of construction workers as ordered earlier by the Court. The Chief Secretary replied saying the notices would be issued forthwith and contact was being made to the agencies which are providing employment avenues to the construction workers and also stated that 35 unions had been notified regarding the whole process of registration.

The Court, however continued to express dismay over the Delhi government's actions saying that it seemed that the government had made no effort to verify the actual number of workers beyond the 90,000 registered. The Court hinted that a contempt notice would be issued if the full payment was not made and actions were not taken swiftly. The case is still under investigation with the government being asked to settle the issue urgently.