Agency mafia in health department; Bribes collected to offer outsourced jobs
The illegal practices to hire D-group employees in violation of the Labour Act agencies have been exposed in the health department in Belagavi. Besides collecting a bribe of Rs 50,000 to confirm these jobs to the candidate, the agencies are said to have withheld ATM cards of the employees in rural parts, to ensure that they draw the employee's salaries and only pay them half in cash.
It has been found that these agencies that have hired D-group employees, and hospitals have not paid their employees for the last four months. These agencies have also disobeyed the terms and conditions they signed while seeking the tender to provide employees to the health department.
According to sources, over 400 D-group employees, drivers, data entry operators, pharmacists, lab technicians, and nurses have been hired on an outsourcing basis by various agencies located in Belagavi and other parts of the district. The workers serve in community health centers, taluk hospitals, and various sections of the health department in the Belagavi district. Some of these agencies are funded by the Zilla Panchayat, while others receive funds from different wings of the state government. The employees are paid between Rs 10,000- 15,000 per month.
However, some shocking realities of some of these agencies have come to light. Many employees have alleged that some of these agencies have collected Rs 30,000-50,000 bribes from the candidates to hire them. Many have paid this amount in a desire to get a job in government offices with hopes of receiving salaries regularly. Besides being irregular in their payments, it is alleged that some agencies have withheld the ATM cards of their employees. These agencies allegedly withdraw the salaries credited to their employees and pay them half the amount in cash. The agencies have also taken the signatures of the employees on an empty bond during their joining. When senior health officials questioned the agencies about their conduct, they allegedly threatened to transfer the officials claiming to have strong political influence in government.
Speaking to Media, DC Nitesh Patil said, "I have asked the health officials to submit a report of the same and we will discuss the issues with the officials concerned and also take action against agencies that are violating the rules of the labour laws."
source: TOI
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