MCD sanitation workers got salaries, Diwali bonus worth Rs 23 crore before month-end under AAP: Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi: AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday claimed that all MCD sanitation workers have received their salaries, along with a Diwali bonus, before the end of the month for the first time.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi, Kejriwal announced that Rs 23 crore in Diwali bonuses and salaries have been credited into the accounts of around 64,000 sanitation workers.

He alleged that salaries were frequently delayed by six to eight months during the previous BJP rule in the MCD and often required protests by workers.

"During BJP's tenure, corruption was rampant and employees had to struggle for their dues. Under AAP, in the past two years, salaries are credited in the first week of every month, and no sanitation worker has had to protest," Kejriwal claimed.

"Keeping in view the upcoming Diwali festival, all 64,000 sanitisation workers have already got their salary before the month so that they can celebrate with their families. Along with this, Diwali bonus of Rs 23 crore has also been distributed.

"This is the first time in the history of the MCD that employees have got their salaries before the month-end," he added.