Human Rights Panel Orders Tribal Welfare Department to Pay Hostel Workers Pending Wages

Speedy Summary

• The state Human Rights Commission (SHRC) declared that administrative delays and non-payment of wages to post-metric hostel workers and daily wagers in the Tribal Welfare department amount to systemic negligence and breach of public trust.
• Chairperson Justice Shameem Akther recommended immediate disbursement of pending wages, along with disciplinary action against the responsible officials.
• Salaries have reportedly been denied for 39 months to hostel workers and 10 months to daily wage employees in the Tribal Welfare department.
• SHRC emphasized that such actions violate human rights and contravene Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to livelihood.
• The Chief Secretary has been directed by SHRC to ensure compliance within two months.

Published: July 19, 2025

Indian Opinion Analysis

This decision by SHRC underscores critical accountability issues within India’s governance systems concerning vulnerable labor groups. Delays spanning several years for salary payments reflect a serious administrative lapse within the tribal Welfare department, directly impacting workers dependent on this income. By asserting thes defaults as breaches of human rights under article 21, SHRC highlights their broader constitutional implications.The recommendation for disciplinary action against erring officials sets an vital precedent; though, its effectiveness will largely depend on strict follow-through from higher authorities such as the Chief Secretary. Ensuring timely payment is essential not only for safeguarding livelihoods but also maintaining public trust in welfare mechanisms designed to serve marginalized communities. this case serves as a reminder that systemic inefficiencies can deeply erode both governance credibility and human dignity if left unchecked.

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