The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) administration has agreed to pay the salary of an NMMT bus driver injured in an on-duty accident, following intervention and persistent follow-up by Maharashtra Karmachari Union labour leader Ravindra Sawant.

Driver Rajkumar Sonkamble, stationed at the Asudgaon Depot of NMMT, suffered a fractured left leg on October 16, 2024, when the driver's side door of a bus on route No. 59 suddenly opened near Aadai Lake in Panvel. Despite being injured on duty, Sonkamble faced a double blow, the municipal administration did not cover his medical expenses and stopped his salary during his recovery period.

Outraged by the neglect, the Maharashtra Karmachari Union took up the driver’s cause. Union members, led by Ravindra Sawant, threatened to hold a Bhik Moge protest outside the residence of the Municipal Commissioner. On the morning of the planned protest, the municipal administration intervened, calling for a meeting at the NMMC headquarters.

During discussions with Deputy Commissioner of Administration Sharad Pawar, City Engineer Shirish Aardwad, and Transport Department officials Achalkar and Jagtap, the union leaders, including Ravindra Sawant, Nitin Gaikwad, Rajan Sutar, and Mangesh Gaikwad, successfully negotiated the reinstatement of Sonkamble’s salary.

The employees expressed their gratitude to the union and particularly to labour leader Ravindra Sawant for advocating on their behalf.

Broader Demand for Mediclaim Facilities:
Speaking on the occasion, Ravindra Sawant reiterated his demand for mediclaim facilities for employees, emphasizing that such provisions would spare workers from the financial strain of medical expenses. “If the municipal administration agrees to mediclaim, employees won’t need to rely on loans or face undue hardships during emergencies,” he stated.