Nearly 200 workers, upkeeping Indian monuments, await 6 months of salary

Over 180 contractual employees responsible for the upkeep of 167 monuments across Assam, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ahom era 'Moidams', have reportedly not received their salaries for at least six months. This severe delay in payments has significantly impacted the maintenance of these historical sites, with many employees ceasing to report for duty, according to official sources. The Directorate of Archaeology, which oversees these monuments, acknowledges the issues and states that the government is working to resolve them.

The unpaid dues stem from the Assam government's alleged failure to clear bills worth over ₹2 crore owed to two private contractors, CIIMS and Sankar Pujari, for years. These contractual staffers are vital to the functioning of the Directorate of Archaeology, as there are only 25 permanent government employees for 167 sites, representing less than 15 percent of the required workforce. Employees, some of whom haven't received payments since November 2024, describe a pattern of irregular salaries, forcing many to seek alternative daily wage work to support their families.

The impact of the unpaid salaries is evident in the deteriorating condition of the monuments. Routine maintenance, such as trimming overgrown grasses and cleaning restrooms, has largely ceased, creating a negative impression on visitors, especially during the monsoon season. A senior official within the Directorate of Archaeology, speaking anonymously, revealed that the contractors have been paying employees out of their own pockets until recently, but the financial burden became unsustainable. The official attributed the payment delays to a lack of "ceiling approval" from the state finance department, despite bills being forwarded and sanctioned.

Archaeology Director Deepi Rekha Kouli confirmed the payment issues, stating, "Yes, there have been some issues in giving the salaries on time. However, the process is on and we hope that the salaries will be released soon." She declined to elaborate further. The situation poses a significant threat to the preservation of Assam's rich heritage, including the recently inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Moidams, which were recognized in July last year for their unique historical significance.