Tripura University Casual Workers Move Labour Commissioner Over Alleged Wage Exploitation, Hearing Fixed on June 8

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 3, 2026

A group of casual workers engaged at Tripura University through an outsourcing arrangement has approached the Regional Labour Commissioner (Central), Guwahati, alleging long-term exploitation, payment of wages below statutory norms, and violation of labour laws by both the university administration and the outsourced contractor.

The matter has now reached the Court of the Regional Labour Commissioner (Central), functioning as the authority under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, for the Guwahati region. According to an official notice issued on June 3, 2026, a hearing in the case has been scheduled for June 8, 2026, at 11:30 am at the office of the Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Guwahati.

The case was initiated following a complaint filed by Shri Debabrata Biswas and others, who are reportedly among nearly 80 casual workers engaged by Tripura University through outsourcing arrangements over the last decade.

According to the complainants, the workers have been receiving meagre wages despite rendering services to the university for several years. They have alleged that after the university releases payment, the outsourced vendor, M/s S Basu Thakur & Co, deducts a substantial portion, leaving workers with significantly reduced earnings.

The workers contend that both the university and the contractor have failed to ensure compliance with applicable labour laws and wage regulations, resulting in prolonged financial hardship for the workforce.

The notice issued by the Regional Labour Commissioner names:

Debabrata Biswas and others as applicants,

M/s S Basu Thakur & Co as Opponent No. 1,

The Registrar of Tripura University as Opponent No. 2.

The authority has directed all parties to appear in person or through authorized representatives and produce relevant records, including:

Employee Register (Form A),

Wage Register (Form B),

Attendance Register (Form D),

Wage slips issued to workers.

The notice further states that if the parties fail to appear, the matter may be heard and decided ex party.

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