'You want the workers to starve to death'- SC Berates Delhi Government for Inadequate Pollution Control

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a crucial hearing today regarding air pollution in Delhi, the Supreme Court severely reprimanded the Delhi government for its lack of action concerning the registration of construction workers. The court questioned Delhi's Chief Secretary about the failure to issue notices to workers, despite a previous order. The Chief Secretary acknowledged that no notices had been issued but promised that they would be sent soon.

The court also asked whether the Delhi government had informed construction workers about their entitlement to subsistence allowances. In response, the Chief Secretary stated that 35 workers' unions had been notified, but the court raised concerns about the adequacy of the notification process. The court further questioned the accuracy of the government's claim that only 90,000 construction workers were registered, implying that the actual number might be much higher.

The Chief Secretary revealed that 90,693 workers had been registered on the portal and had received an initial payment of Rs 2,000, with the remaining Rs 6,000 to be paid soon. However, the Supreme Court expressed anger over the incomplete payments and questioned whether the Delhi government intended for workers to starve. The court warned of issuing a contempt notice if the government's statements proved false.

The Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to immediately inform the unions of construction workers about their rights to receive financial aid. The hearing on this matter will continue next Thursday. The Supreme Court’s stern remarks underline the urgency for the Delhi government to act swiftly in ensuring that construction workers receive their due benefits, especially in light of the ongoing air pollution crisis.