However, the MiC's decision would be a breach of the agreement signed between the administration and the Mumbai Mahanagarpalika Karyalayeen Karmachari Sanghatana representing the employees on November 18, 1980. As per the agreement, each of the staffers, called `meter inspectors,' should make 650 water meter readings every month. For every extra reading, they would get an additional 60 paise.

The agreement was modified in 1990 and the number of readings increased to 750. Also, for every additional reading, the staff would get 75 paise now. But till date, no money has been paid, and Mayor Nandu Satam has made it clear it would not be paid. His argument: if the meter inspectors now make 750 entries per month, it means they didn't optimise their capacityearlier.

Satam said he would talk to the union about this, and if it didn't agree, MiC would go to court. He said another reason for not granting workers the amount was that 80 per cent of the water meters installed were not functioning, and the staffers had therefore not made as many entries as expected of them.

However, president of the union Prakash Devdas claimed 80 per cent of the meters were working, but they gave inaccurate reading. ``It's the administration's job to ensure the meters aren't defective. My staff has to only visit the buildings where meters are installed to see if they are working,'' he said. Even if a meter is not functioning, an entry has to be made in the register. Moreover, the inspectors not only take down the readings but attend to all complaints related to meters, he informed.

Devdas stressed the agreement between the workers and administration was recognised by the Industrial Court, and added that every time he demanded the dues, he was assured by BMC that they would becleared soon. ``I had even decided to go to court but was advised by deputy municipal commissioner in charge of special engineering SN Phatnani not to get into litigations. He assured the MiC would take a decision soon,'' said Devdas.