Understanding Pay and Benefits for Security Guards in Residential Societies: What Are Their Rights and Where to Complain?

Minimum Wages and Allowances for Security Guards

Can you please inform me about the minimum wages that should be provided to a private residential society security guard who is directly on the society's payroll (not through any security agency)? What are the mandatory allowances that should be offered?

Entitlements and Accountability

Also, could you clarify whether the security guards are entitled to receive ESIC, medical, and insurance cover? If a society watchman is not being granted these, who can be held accountable and what could be the potential punishment?

Complaint Process for Security Guards

If the security guard wants to complain about not receiving his dues, where should he lodge his complaint?

Regards, Location: New Delhi, India.

In India, the minimum wages for security guards are governed by the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and vary from state to state. In Delhi, as of 2020, the minimum wage for unskilled workers, which includes security guards, is INR 14,842 per month.

As for allowances, a security guard should receive Dearness Allowance and House Rent Allowance, and these should be part of the minimum wage calculation.

Regarding ESIC, medical, and insurance cover, security guards earning less than INR 21,000 per month are entitled to benefits under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) scheme as per the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948. This includes medical benefits for the employee and their family, disability benefit, and other benefits.

If the society is not providing these benefits, it can be held accountable under the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act 1948 and the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948. The penalties can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity and duration of the violation.

In the event that a security guard is not receiving his dues, he can lodge a complaint with the local labor office or the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). It would be beneficial for the security guard to have evidence supporting his claim (like salary slips, employment contract, etc.).

Here are the steps he can follow:

1. Gather all supporting documents proving his employment and compensation.
2. Lodge a complaint with the local labor office, providing all the necessary details and supporting documents.
3. If eligible for ESIC benefits but not receiving them, lodge a complaint with the nearest ESIC office.
4. Follow up regularly on the complaint.

Remember, it's important to understand the rights and obligations under the law to ensure fair treatment and compensation.