Supriya Sule urges talks as Sarathi employees begin indefinite fast over 53 per cent hike demand

Supriya Sule. File Pic

An indefinite fast by contractual employees over pending demands, including an increase in honorarium, is underway at the Sarathi headquarters in Pune.

The employees have been seeking a revision in their honorarium since January 2023. According to NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, a revised proposal seeking a 53 per cent increase in honorarium was submitted to the government on April 15, 2025, but no decision has been taken so far.

Sule urges government to hold talks

Sule said the employees were forced to begin the fast despite an assurance given by the government in March 2026.

"An indefinite fast by contractual employees is ongoing at the Sarathi headquarters in Pune for various pending demands, including an increase in honorarium, at the 'Sarathi' organization in Pune. Despite follow-ups since January 2023 and submitting a revised proposal for a 53 per cent honorarium increase on April 15, 2025, the government has still not taken any decision, which is a regrettable matter," Sule said in a post on X.

She said the delay had led the employees to resort to the indefinite fast despite the assurance given earlier this year.

Demand for 53 per cent hike and annual increment

Sule urged the government to immediately engage with the protesting employees and act on the commitments made to them.

"My demand to the government is that, please immediately engage in dialogue with these employees and, in line with the assurances given to them, implement the 53 per cent honorarium increase and promptly approve their demand for a 5 per cent annual increment," she said.

Legitimate overseas donations for education, healthcare must not be obstructed, says Supriya Sule

Earlier, NCP (SP) Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule urged the Centre to ensure that legitimate overseas donations to educational and social organisations are not obstructed under the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.

While speaking to PTI, Sule said the government should not rush through the proposed legislation and demanded that all political parties be taken into confidence.

The Lok Sabha has sent the FCRA Bill to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) amid protests by Opposition parties, which alleged that the proposed legislation targets minorities and NGOs and demanded its withdrawal.