In response to protests from the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, affiliated with the Maharashtra Electricity Contract Workers Union, Deputy Chief Minister and Power Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a 19% wage hike for contract workers in the electricity sector, effective from April 2024. The announcement, made on September 9, 2024, aims to address long standing grievances among contract workers regarding their compensation.

However, uncertainty surrounds the implementation of this wage increase. The Maharashtra Electricity Contract Workers Union has raised concerns regarding the wording of the minister's announcement, questioning whether the proposed increase is truly a salary hike or merely a pre-election tactic. Union representatives stated that the administrative officers of the three power companies Mahagenco, Mahatransco, and MSEDCL are yet to confirm whether they will support the proposed 19% increase.

General Secretary of the Maharashtra Electricity Contract Workers' Union, Sachin Mengale, highlighted the lingering doubts within the union about the government's commitment to fulfilling the wage hike after the elections. He pointed out that previous promises of minimum wage increases had been delayed, leading to skepticism about the latest announcement. "Can this be called a salary increase?" Mengale questioned, urging the administration to provide the announced hike immediately and without additional bureaucratic hurdles.

President of the union, Nilesh Kharat, emphasized the need for a meeting with the administration to discuss the wage hike without further delays. He noted that if the finance department could expedite the payment to contractors, workers across all three companies could celebrate Diwali joyfully. Otherwise, he warned, discontent among workers could have significant political repercussions in the future.

In light of the situation, the Maharashtra Power Contractors Workers' Union has staged public protests and remains prepared to strike again if their demands are not met. The union continues to advocate for the immediate implementation of the announced wage hike, insisting that contract workers deserve fair compensation for their contributions to the power industry.