SHILLONG: Sports Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh said the process of increasing the wages of the casual employees of State Sports Council as per the notification issued by the state Labour Department will be placed before the annual general meeting.
He was replying to the zero hour notice moved by Congress MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh who sought queries from the minister on the indefinite strike called by the employees of State Sports Council. Ampareen asked about the status of workers of the State Sports Council and their demands.
Banteidor said the Council has received the petition of the casual employees and the same has been taken note of. The Council has prepared the agenda for the annual general Meeting which will be convened this financial year to discuss the various issues pertaining to the Council including the wages of the casual employees.
He informed that the State Sports Council has till date 93 casual employees.
As per the records available in the State Sports Council, 44 casual employees out of the total 93 have gone on strike without informing the competent authorities.
The remaining 49 casual employees are attending their duties as usual.
The casual employees are engaged to perform works such as maintaining the cleanliness of the sports infrastructures that are under the supervision of the Council.
Banteidor said the number of casual employees engaged in the J.N stadium is 44 . They maintain the cleanliness of the main stadium, the basketball court, the tennis court, the Dalang stadium and the futsal ground. They work under the supervision of a Sectional Assistant.
The minister informed that the Council has 60 regular employees .
The employees of the Council are availing the pay structure of the government employees, he said adding the Council is an autonomous body and therefore has to depend on the grant in aid from the government for payment of salary.
He further informed that the Council is also expected to generate revenue from the sports infrastructure that it has created over the years. The revenue generated in a financial year cannot meet the required amount for payment of salary. The Council will require financial assistance with regard to the payment of wages to the casual employees.
Banteidor informed that the casual employees are currently being paid Rs 5000 per month for those performing works such as maintaining the cleanliness of the sports infrastructure.
The casual employees work on an average of five hours daily for five days a week and the Council provides Rs 10,000 per month for those who are engaged as drivers.
Banteidor maintained that he is concerned about the welfare of its casual employees and has always paid their wages without any delay. The Council is also aware of the notification issued by the Labour Department and will eventually ensure that wages are paid accordingly.
