Gadwal, Telangana — The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has raised a strong voice against wage cuts affecting sanitation workers in government schools across the Jogulamba Gadwal district.
On Tuesday, Uppar Narasimha, Vice President of CITU in the district, led a group to the District Education Office (DEO). They handed over a formal complaint to the Superintendent, demanding fair and immediate payment for the workers.
Narasimha told reporters that the government sends salaries for sanitation workers based on student numbers in each school. However, many headmasters are allegedly cutting these payments without reason.
He explained that in the past year, when overdue wages were finally released, workers received much less than expected. “Some workers were supposed to get ₹24,000, but only received ₹14,000. Others expecting ₹36,000 got ₹18,000, and those due ₹60,000 were paid just ₹20,000,” he said. “These shortfalls aren’t mistakes—they’re unfair and intentional.”
Narasimha accused certain school officials of misusing their positions. He said some workers were threatened with job loss when they asked questions. “They were told the money went towards school expenses,” he added. “That’s not only wrong—it’s bullying.”
CITU also criticized the hiring of new sanitation workers midway through the school year. According to the union, this tactic creates confusion and reduces the already low wages of existing workers.
“These workers earn very little already,” Narasimha said. “Cutting their pay even more puts their families at risk. It’s cruel and unacceptable.”
CITU demanded that the recently released six months’ worth of back pay be given in full. They also called for a full investigation into the headmasters involved and strict action if any wrongdoing is found.
Local CITU leaders and sanitation workers, including Town President Raghu, and workers Renuka, Santoshamma, Suvarta, Radha, Mallamma, Hajurambi, and Parvati, joined the protest.
CITU promised to keep pushing until every sanitation worker in the district is paid fairly and treated with respect.
