The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has constituted a team to conduct an enquiry into the wages of labourers working for restoration of the Red Fort.
The step was taken after The Hindu reported that migrant labourers were allegedly being paid nearly half the rate of minimum wages set by the Delhi government at ₹534.
Superintending Archaeologist (Delhi Circle) N.K. Pathak issued an order on Monday directing Deputy Superintending Archaeologist Sunder Paul and officer Raj Kumar to “enquire into the matter and submit their report within three days of issue of this note for further necessary action in the matter”.
Mr. Pathak told The Hindu that several works have been awarded to National Buildings Construction Corporation, Central Public Works Department, and Science Wing and Horticulture Wing of the ASI, who further hire contractors to carry out necessary works. “The officials will enquire with every contractor and ask them how wages are being paid,” he said.
Migrant labourers had told The Hindu that they are paid between ₹250-₹400 in cash per day by the contractors. They are allegedly not given any receipt of the payment and their signatures are not taken on any document when they are paid.
ASI’s defence
The ASI, however, maintained that all labourers hired by them through contractors are paid the minimum wage and the money goes into their bank accounts.
