Why is Indian govt. not paying salaries to Chandrayan workers?

In a shocking incident, the Indian government did not pay salaries to workers of the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC), who played a crucial role in the success of India’s Chandrayaan mission.

Workers of a Public Sector Undertaking in Jharkhand, the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC), have been waiting for their wages for 1.6 years. Despite making significant contributions to the success of the Chandrayaan mission, why is the Indian government not paying salaries to them? What is the reason behind the delay? Will they ever receive their salaries?

Worked for Chandrayaan mission, Indian govt. not paying salaries: HEC workers

Thousands of HEC workers alleged that they worked hard for the success of the Chandrayaan 3 mission. The ruling BJP government in India neglected their efforts, said one of the workers. 

On 21 September, HEC workers protested in Delhi against non-disbursal of salaries for 18 months. The workers said that they wanted to remind the Indian government about their significant contribution to the Chandrayaan 3 mission, the recent lunar exploration mission, by the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). 

Why is the Indian government not paying salaries to Chandrayan workers?

HEC Majdoor Union president Bhawan Singh said that the workers, who played a crucial role in India’s lunar mission, have not been paid their salaries for 18 months. The workers are still waiting for their salaries. 

The Indian government has not given any reason behind the delay in paying salaries to the important workers. The government is not even responding to workers’ demands.

Notably, HEC workers and engineers constructed various parts of the second launching pad for ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3, including 400/60 EOT (electric overhead traveling) crane, 10 Ton hammerhead tower crane, and horizontal sliding door.

Last week, the leaders of the INDIA bloc also protested against the non-payment of salaries. They urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clear the pending salaries of thousands of HEC workers.