Delhi Workers Protest LG Office Over Income Loss from Construction Ban

Delhi Construction Ban: Workers Protest Over Income Loss

On November 27, 2024, hundreds of construction workers protested near the office of the Delhi Lieutenant Governor in Civil Lines. They demanded compensation for their income losses due to the ongoing construction ban, which was imposed under the Graded Response Action Plan (GR).

The Building Workers Union, affiliated with the All India Central Council of Trade Unions, organized the protest. Workers highlighted the negative impact of the construction ban on their livelihoods after the GR restrictions took effect on November 18. These measures were introduced as air quality in Delhi-NCR worsened, resulting in stricter pollution control measures under Stage 4 of GR. This included banning truck entry and temporarily halting construction on public projects.

During the protest, workers marched from the Sushruta Trauma Centre to the LG Office, chanting anti-establishment slogans and carrying posters. Their messages included “Stop attacking the livelihood of workers” and “We demand daily minimum wage, fair compensation for all construction workers.”

The police stopped the protesters from proceeding to the Raj Niwas. The union demanded higher daily compensation rates: ₹783 for unskilled workers, ₹868 for skilled workers, and ₹954 for highly skilled workers. They called for the government to create a policy that provides compensation for income loss due to pollution restrictions and strikes.

Additionally, the union requested a five percent allocation in the Delhi government budget for the welfare of construction workers. They also asked for action against alleged corruption in labor offices, which they say prevents workers from accessing their rightful benefits.