NEW DELHI: The staff of Hardayal Library went on an indefinite strike on Thursday, claiming that there was no concrete assurance from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) regarding payment of their salaries pending for 18 months.
Set up in 1862, the heritage building in Chandni Chowk is the oldest public library with around 35 branches across the city, including six in south Delhi and four in east Delhi. It runs on grants from the three municipal corporations.
“On Saturday, we asked for permission to sit on strike and close the library. After police involvement, we opened the facility but refused to work until paid. Though we intimated all departments before going on the strike, we will pursue the deputy commissioner of police for formal permission on Monday,” said an employee.
Another employee added, “Eighteen months have passed since we last received our salary. Officials are only making promises. These promises are not enough to pay my electricity bills, buy rations, and bear other expenses. Adding to this, we were warned of non-payment of salaries for the days we are on strike.”
Poonam Parashar Jha, former councillor and secretary of Hardayal municipal public library, said the police were informed on Saturday after the employees refused to open the library.
“They have all the right to go on strike but they can’t close the public library for members. And that at a time when we have students preparing for UPSC and other exams visiting the place for studies. Also, we can’t let them misbehave with students requesting the opening of the library. I agree with their concerns and even met the special commissioner on Friday and sought timing to meet the commissioner on Monday. They have assured payment of salaries in a week,” she said.
“In given circumstances, they should be a little patient and wait for the completion of the week rather than taking abrupt decisions,” said Jha, adding that seven months' salaries of erstwhile east corporation staff have been released.
