Manpower Contractor’s Non-Payment Sparks Work Stoppage at Doosan’s Etah Power Project

Project Overview

Jawaharpur Thermal Project, located in Etah, Uttar Pradesh, is a large-scale thermal power plant under construction by the South Korean company Doosan (Doosan Power Systems India). Thousands of workers are engaged in its construction through multiple manpower-supply agencies. These manpower companies have structured agreements and payment mechanisms involving the main contractor (Doosan), various subcontractors, and the worker suppliers.

This power station consists of two supercritical coal-fired units of 660 MW each, totaling 1,320 MW capacity .

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Origin of the Issue: Unpaid Wages

• The workers allege that they have not received wages for the past four months. “Enraged by not receiving wages for the past four months, they boycotted work on Monday.”
• A similar strike took place about one-and-a-half months ago, after which the administration intervened and arranged for some wage payments.

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Two-Pronged Dispute: Manpower Companies vs. Doosan

• The manpower companies (such as the contractor ‘NS’) are responsible for paying the workers. They claim that Doosan has not released payment to them for wages.
• Conversely, Doosan officials maintain that Doosan has, in fact, paid the manpower companies on time, and any delay is an internal issue within those subcontractors .
• Amid this dispute, the administration has so far not arrived at a concrete resolution, prompting workers to demand justice and transparent action.

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Current Critical Situation

• On Monday, June 9, 2025, around 200 construction workers halted work, disrupting all remaining construction activities .
• The project’s XEN, Manoj Kumar Srivastava, stated: “Workers go on strike daily demanding pending wages… UPRVUNL has fully paid Doosan Company,” but despite this, Doosan’s contractors are not paying the workers on time .
• As a result, the site remains inactive, and the district administration’s hands appear tied.

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Administrative & Legal Measures

• Police forces have been deployed at the project site, including personnel from Malawan, Bagwala, Sakit, and Rejoor police stations .
• In a similar strike last year, cases were registered against the workers at Malawan police station, and some were detained .
• These developments suggest that the administration is emphasizing maintaining security, but has not taken clear action on the valid demands of the workers.

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Workers’ Demands and Concerns

1. Immediate payment of outstanding wages covering the past four months.
2. Transparent and impartial investigation into whether Doosan actually paid the subcontractors, and if not, identifying accountability.
3. Financial distress relief – workers refuse to return until full payment is received.
4. Fear of layoffs – they worry contractors may terminate employment due to the strike.

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Proposed Solutions & Government Actions

• Ensure timely and transparent payments by Doosan and UPRVUNL to the manpower suppliers.
• Establish a tripartite investigation committee including worker representatives, Doosan, and UPRVUNL/administration to audit wage payments and issue a prompt schedule.
• Protect employment – issue clear directives preventing termination of workers participating in strikes.
• Institutionalize communication – regular weekly or bi-weekly review meetings with the local ADM and ASP.
• Offer interim emergency payments to each worker if full payments are delayed, providing immediate relief.

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Possible Future Outlook

• If urgent action is not taken, the strike may become open-ended, leading to a full-scale halt of construction.
• This would not only delay the project schedule but also risk rising tension among workers, potentially impacting onsite security and social harmony.

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Conclusion

The situation at the Jawaharpur Thermal Project is serious and demands swift resolution. To prevent prolonged disruption, effective dialogue and transparent action between the three key stakeholders—UPRVUNL/administration, Doosan, and manpower suppliers—is essential. Prompt payment will not only boost worker morale but also ensure the project stays on schedule and maintains workplace peace.