SRI VIJAYA PURAM | NOVEMBER 3, 2026 | DWEEP TULIKA | ANDAMAN NEWS
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Andaman and Nicobar State Committee, has urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to ensure that October 2026 wages are paid to daily-rated workers across various departments before the Diwali festival, which falls on November 8.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, CITU State Committee General Secretary B. Chandrachoodan requested that necessary directions be issued to all Heads of Departments and Heads of Offices to facilitate the early disbursement of wages.
Chandrachoodan stated that monthly wages of daily-rated workers employed in various departments under the Administration are normally drawn and paid only after the 10th day of the succeeding month. He said that if October wages are not released before Diwali, many workers may face difficulty celebrating the festival.
According to the CITU General Secretary, most of these workers belong to economically weaker families, with many serving as the sole earning members of their households.
Describing Diwali as an important festival celebrated by people across religious and regional communities in the islands, CITU said timely payment would allow daily-rated workers and their families to participate in the celebrations.
The union has therefore called upon the Chief Secretary to intervene and ensure that the October wages reach workers before the festival.
The release does not mention whether the Administration has accepted the request or issued any directions on the matter.