The salaries of nearly 400 security guards employed by MTNL have been pending since December 2024. The issue came to light when several affected guards approached members of the Sajag Nagarik Manch, a citizen action forum.
In response, members of the forum, along with some security guards, met with MTNL officials on April 25 and submitted a formal memorandum demanding immediate action to resolve the crisis.
"While the salary for November was disbursed only in the first week of March, payments for the months of December to March remain overdue," informed the forum.
MTNL had reportedly proposed giving 75% of the pending salary as an advance upon application. However, the forum strongly criticized this approach, stating that it is unjust and violates the basic rights of employees. "Those who have worked the full month deserve their full wages on time — it is a fundamental right and the primary duty of the board," the forum emphasized.
Security guards, already surviving on modest earnings, are now grappling with severe challenges due to delayed salaries. Many have reported difficulties in paying EMIs, school fees, and even maintaining household expenses. Some have said that the financial stress has begun to affect family relationships, and in extreme cases, a few guards have expressed suicidal thoughts — highlighting the gravity of the situation.
MTNL has attributed the delay to poor financial conditions, but the Sajag Nagarik Manch has questioned this claim, pointing out that MTNL staff and officers continue to receive their salaries on time.
Additionally, the forum raised concerns about the poor quality of uniforms, shoes, and raincoats provided to the guards and called for an end to corruption in procurement processes.
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