Case Study: Resolving Wage Dispute of a Migrant Labourer in Kishanganj, Bihar under MRC
Introduction
Name: Md Jalal
Father’s Name: Md Kamrul
Village & Post Office: Panasi
Block: Pothia
District: Kishanganj, Bihar
Social Category: OBC
Age: 32 years
Dependent Family Members: 06
Profession: Labour
Contact: 6280960871
Case No.: 330061
Total Workers Involved: 03
Work Duration: 4 months (January – April 2025)
Nature of Work: Factory Labour
Work Area: Khajurbari, Pothia
Contractor: Md Savab
Background
Kishanganj, an agrarian district in Bihar, faces persistent economic challenges due to erratic weather conditions and limited industrial growth. This forces many residents, including Md Jalal, to seek employment in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and services, often in other states.
In January 2025, Md Jalal, a father of six, began working under a contractor at a factory site in Khajurbari, Pothia, with a promised monthly salary of ₹15,000. After four months of work (Jan–Apr 2025), the contractor failed to pay the final ₹15,000 despite repeated requests. This placed severe financial strain on his family and left him with no choice but to seek external support.
Intervention Process
Upon learning of the wage dispute, Field Officer Intekhab Anwar from the GPSVS–Kishanganj MRC Project took immediate action:
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Guidance & Reporting:
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Advised Md Jalal to register the complaint with the Labour Helpline (1800-120-11211).
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Collected and documented detailed information about the case.
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Direct Engagement with Contractor:
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Contacted the contractor to resolve the matter amicably.
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Faced continued delays and excuses from the contractor.
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Community Mediation:
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Involved local Gram Panchayat public representatives to add community pressure.
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Arranged a mediation meeting with both parties present.
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During the session, the contractor agreed to pay the pending ₹15,000 by 23rd July 2025.
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Outcome
The mediation proved effective. On the agreed date, the contractor paid the full pending amount. Both parties confirmed the transaction to the field officer and local representatives.
This case reflects:
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The power of structured intervention in labor rights disputes.
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The importance of community involvement in conflict resolution.
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The commitment of GPSVS–Kishanganj to protect migrant workers’ rights.
Impact & Key Learnings
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Immediate Relief: Provided financial stability to Md Jalal’s family.
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Awareness & Empowerment: Strengthened awareness of workers’ rights and available legal mechanisms.
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Community-Based Solutions: Showed how Panchayat-level mediation can resolve disputes without lengthy legal processes.
Quote from Md Jalal:
“Without the help of GPSVS and the Panchayat, I don’t think I would have received my wages. They stood by me until the end.”
This case study reaffirms our mission — to stand with vulnerable workers, safeguard their rights, and ensure fair treatment in all employment situations.
