JNU Under Fire for Denying Maternity Benefits to Contractual Workers

New Delhi: In a stark violation of labour laws and basic human rights, the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is embroiled in controversy for its refusal to provide maternity benefits to contractual women workers. The issue, which has been ongoing for over a year, has sparked outrage and drawn condemnation from various quarters.

Under the banner of the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), the Union of Contractual Workers of JNU has been tirelessly advocating for the rights of these women employees. Despite the Maternity Benefit Act of 2017 mandating 26 weeks of paid leave for working women, JNU has neglected its duty, leaving these workers in a dire situation.

According to Section 5 of the Maternity Benefit Act, employers are obligated to provide maternity benefits to women employees promptly. However, JNU and its contracted service provider, Bedi and Bedi Associates, have failed to fulfil their legal obligations. Instead, they have engaged in a blame game, shirking responsibility and disregarding the plight of these women.

Despite repeated attempts by the AICCTU JNU to resolve the issue through legal channels, including approaching the office of the labour commissioner, justice remains elusive. Both JNU and Bedi and Bedi Associates have attempted to evade accountability, denying their role in ensuring the welfare of their employees.

The irony is not lost in the fact that this injustice is occurring under the leadership of Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the first woman Vice Chancellor of JNU. Despite her public assertions of promoting an inclusive culture, the reality for women workers tells a different story—one of discrimination and denial of fundamental rights.

AICCTU JNU calls for both JNU and Bedi and Bedi Associates to be held accountable, not only in the court of law but also in the court of public opinion. The denial of maternity benefits is not just a legal issue; it is a moral imperative to uphold the dignity and rights of working women across the country.

“While we have seen interviews of Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the first woman Vice Chancellor of JNU,  talking about the inclusive culture of JNU, it is under her Vice Chancellorship that women are denied their most basic rights,” the press release stated.