NLUD students to gather in silent protest tonight over the termination of Safai Karamcharis [Read press note]

Students of the National Law University, Delhi (NLU Delhi) have decided to gather together in silent protest tonight over the administration’s refusal of accede to the demand for the re-instatement of the 55 contractual safai karamcharis (house-keeping staff), who were terminated for service recently..NLU Delhi students, alumni protest against termination of 55 house-keeping staff; allege violation of labour laws.A press note issued by the students points out that February 10 marks the 38th day of the protests. It adds,.The administration has been firm on its stance that it owes no responsibility towards the struggling workers who have been instrumental in the establishment of this premier “law” universityNLU Delhi students.Further, the students raise concern that the workers are facing a heavy financial crunch as they have been out of employment for over a month now. Moreover, protest is also registered over the alleged failure to pay the workers their salaries and arrears for the month of December..“It is important to note that 76% of the workers are sole breadwinners of the family, 61% of them stay in rented accommodations and that each worker has an average of 4 dependants.”NLU Delhi students.The students propose to gather in silent protest tonight between 9 pm and 1 am..55 house-keeping staff, engaged under a contract with White Fox and Golden, were terminated from service in December last year. NLU Delhi entered into a contract with Rajendra Management Group (RMG) to hire 30 new workers instead..Students assert that the 55 contractual workers, who have been working for NLU Delhi since its establishment over a decade ago, were terminated from service without any prior written notice. The termination is said to be in violation of labour laws applicable to the University..The students have presented the following as their core demands, i.e.Immediate cancellation of the invalid contract for housekeeping services with Rajendra Management Group (RMG).100% retention of old workers as mandated by the Delhi Govt. Cabinet Resolution No.F.10(6)/PWD-1/Misc./2016/Vol.IV/14144 dated 9th October 2018. The resolution asks the new contractor to keep a “minimum” of 80% of earlier manpower which could be read as a maximum of 100%, notes a student statement .The University must strictly comply with the labour laws and statutory provisions..To follow the student protests, view the student Facebook page here..[Read the press note issued by the students]