AFTER the news report published on our weekly online Goan Observer titled “Contractor Accused of Wage Violations in Goa’s Hospital Housekeeping Tender” dated May 3-May 9, 2025 by the politically backed Mahalsa Services firm, we decided to speak to his workers, and see if there has been any reaction from their boss.
The report has indeed made a difference in the lives of a few of the contractor’s workers. While getting feedback at the Primary Health Centres (PHC) sites I visited — PHC Cansarvarnem, PHC Candolim, PHC Siolim and PHC Aldona, a few of the severely affected housekeeping staff claimed they have been paid their arrears this week. Most others are still eagerly awaiting the fulfilment of the several assurances made to them. With the admonishment going out, “Do not speak to anyone, no NGO and no journalists!”
However, speaking exclusively to this correspondent on the strict condition of anonymity, one worker said, “I have just received an amount of Rs 12,000 in my bank account, I am still patiently waiting for the promised increase of Rs 1,500. Also I am still to receive any bonus despite working for almost three years now!”

FEAR RETRIBUTION
THE workers fear retribution by their employer if they speak openly. A staff member attached to one such PHC, Sushmita (name changed) adds, “we have been told not to speak to anyone, but our dues will be paid I hope.” Her sentiment is acknowledged by another colleague, Aishwarya (name changed) who is also in her mid-30s, who said, “the company management is also not providing any uniforms to us and we have to wear the same old worn out uniforms for the past three years now. Though we were promised we would receive new uniforms annually. Besides, we were being paid a measly monthly salary of Rs 8,000-9,000 although several nearby private firms are offering their staff a minimum monthly wage PF, ESI and other allowances,” adding “daily I spend Rs100 on travelling from my home to travel to my workplace in north Goa. In this period of daily increasing inflation, no one is willing to work for such low wages. Yet being a source of crucial livelihood to feed our families, we continue to languish in our present state of predicament and misery so do try and help us if possible by highlighting our case through your media,” she pleaded.
It has been reported that Mahalsa Services hires more than 300 employees most of whom are local Goan women.
The Mahalsa staff at the Aldona and Siolim PHCs too, confirmed that they were receiving a measly low monthly wages of Rs9,000 and were still eagerly looking forward to the immediate implementation of the increment assurances that were made to them; but this only after the report about worker exploitation appeared. One Mahalsa senior staff (employed for over eight years) claimed that the Mahalsa management had this week credited her bank account with Rs50,000 towards her arrears; several other Mahalsa Services staff interacted with however disclosed that they were not yet paid their arrears.

STATUTORY COMPLIANCE
IT may be recalled that the aforementioned news report on “Contractor Accused of Wage Violations in Goa’s Hospital Housekeeping Tender” dated May3-May 9, 2025 had alleged that Mahalsa Services had bagged the tender for housekeeping in the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) building which requires the party to follow all statutory compliance. This is a basic qualification for the bidding in a tender.
This means also following all other complaisance under the Goa Labour Act, like Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), Bonus and employees insurance (ESI) among others. Besides, the employees have to also be given one paid holiday every week and 15 days holidays in a year.
As per the latest government notification dated October 1, 2024 the minimum gross monthly wage is Rs Rs13,884 (Net Rs12,103). But an updated passbook received by us from a worker at Mahalsa Services shows the average payment per month is between Rs9,000 to Rs10,000. This shows a difference of more than Rs2,000 per month. No bonus payment has been made. Another daily wage staff employed at the Dharbandora PHC divulged that she receives approximately Rs9,000 every month. “Any leave we take is deducted and we pay for all medical expenses. What is ESI?” she asked.
PF and ESI are mandatory savings for daily wage workers. Besides, workers are entitled to 15 days paid leave annually and a fixed annual bonus of Rs7,000 and other welfare benefits like free medicines, children’s scholarships, etc. None of the employees seemed to be unaware of. Such alleged violations directly impact not only the workers’ financial well-being but their access to health care, retirement savings and other statutory benefits. Our efforts to reach the Labour Commissioner for his response has been in vain.
It is reliably learnt that Mahalsa Services has contractors with 42 small hospitals and public health centres in Goa,l hiring approximately 320 workers who are mostly local Goan women. Let us hope the coming Sunday, May 11, being Mother’s Day, will bring some joy to the exploited women. For indeed, many of them are mothers working to sustain their families.