Bombay HC rules community health volunteers entitled to minimum wage
The Bombay High Court ruled that community health volunteers are entitled to minimum wages, rejecting the BMC's argument that they are merely honorarium-based volunteers. The court determined that the nature of their work and the level of control exercised by the municipality constitute an employment relationship.
Why it matters
This ruling sets a significant legal precedent for the classification of gig and volunteer workers in public service roles, potentially impacting labor costs for municipal bodies.
The Bombay High Court has dismissed all petitions filed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday (August 14, 2026) against an order that recognised community health volunteers as workers eligible for minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
The court held that although the volunteers are designated as “swayamsevaks,” their functions align with those of municipal employees. They perform public health duties, maintain attendance, work fixed hours, follow medical staff instructions, and receive a fixed monthly payment.
AIUTUC demands immediate implementation of revised minimum wages
The BMC had challenged the September 7, 2020 order of the Assistant Labour Commissioner (Mumbai). The order had ruled that these volunteers are entitled to the notified minimum wage and directed the corporation to pay the difference between the existing honorarium and the statutory minimum wage.
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