In a poignant statement reflecting the urgency of the situation, Atishi, a leader from the Aam Aadmi Party, emphasized that “the demands of employees are more important than the history of the foundation of the Asiatic Library.” This sentiment comes as the Asiatic Society of Mumbai grapples with ongoing issues regarding employee rights and funding.
Founded on November 26, 1804, by Sir James Mackintosh, the Asiatic Society has played a pivotal role in promoting research in languages, philosophy, arts, and sciences related to Asia. The Society is housed in the Town Hall, a Grade One Heritage Structure since 1833. However, its historical significance is now overshadowed by pressing concerns for its employees.
A Rich Legacy with Immediate Challenges
The Asiatic Society boasts a wealth of resources, including 280,000 books and periodicals, 2,847 manuscripts, and a diverse collection of over 12,000 coins. Notable items include rare manuscripts such as the 16th-century Aranyakaparvan of the Mahabharata and a gold coin from the 5th century belonging to Kumar Gupta. Yet, despite this rich heritage, the Society’s managing committee has faced criticism for neglecting employee welfare.
Since bifurcation from the State Central Library of Maharashtra on July 1, 1994, the Society has struggled to uphold promises made regarding employee compensation. While the government provided a one-time corpus grant of ₹2 crores, the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations has been notably absent, leaving employees with salaries aligned only with the 6th Pay Commission.
Ongoing Employee Struggles
The employees have voiced a series of grievances, including:
- Pending Dearness Allowance: More than 40 months of D.A. from July 2019 to June 2023 remains unpaid.
- Outstanding Salaries: A 35% portion of salaries from June to December 2021 is still due.
- Unimplemented DA Increase: A 9% increase in D.A. effective January 2024 has not been reflected in salaries.
- Gratuity Issues: Calculations for gratuity owed to retired employees have not been disclosed.
- Pay-Scale Anomalies: Long-standing issues related to pay-scale discrepancies remain unresolved.
The ASM Employees’ Union has been proactive in advocating for these demands, seeking recognition and action from both state and central government officials. Their efforts resulted in securing a ₹1 crore grant from the Government of Maharashtra and a similar amount from the Central Government. However, uncertainty remains regarding an additional ₹1 crore grant from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Call for Action and Support
The Managing Committee’s failure to implement the 7th Pay Commission benefits has left employees feeling betrayed, especially given earlier assurances of parity with state government salaries. The Society’s administration has been criticized for its inefficiency and lack of constructive leadership, leading to fears of potential damage to its priceless collections.
In light of these challenges, the ASM Employees Union has called for the Government of India’s Ministry of Culture to take decisive action, either by overseeing the Society through the Honorable Governor of Maharashtra or by enacting legislation in Parliament to ensure its sustainability.
A Heritage at Risk
The future of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai hangs in the balance. With an ineffective managing committee and unresolved employee demands, the potential for irreversible damage to the Society’s valuable collections looms large. The ASM Employees Union is determined to intensify its agitation until their demands are met, insisting that the welfare of its employees must take precedence over institutional history.
As the Society prepares to navigate these tumultuous waters, the call for government intervention has never been more urgent. The preservation of its legacy and the well-being of its employees depend on immediate and concerted efforts to address these pressing issues.
