Former employees and dependents of deceased workers of the Lauria unit of Bihar State Sugar Corporation in West Champaran's Lauria have been awaiting the payment of their outstanding wages for nearly three decades. Despite repeated pleas to officials and public representatives, the non-payment has led to deep despair among their families. On Tuesday, former employees and dependents urged the Chief Minister and high-ranking state government officials to intervene and ensure the swift payment of the pending amounts. They also demanded an increase in pension along with the outstanding wages, warning of protests if their demands are not met.

According to former employees, the Lauria Sugar Mill closed down in 1997. They stated that employees were brought under the Provident Fund (PF) ambit on January 26, 1997. Despite preparations for the 1996-97 crushing season being complete, the mill abruptly ceased operations. Since then, employees' wages and other outstanding dues have remained unpaid. Former employees like Rameshwar Tiwari, Kameshwar Tiwari, Rajendra Awasthi, Badri Tatwa, Madholi Yadav, and Belash Yadav shared their plight, saying they have been visiting offices for a long time seeking payment but have yet to receive their hard-earned money.

Dependents of deceased employees, including Kusum Devi (widow of Bharat Mishra), Joni Devi (widow of Shankar Raut), Saraswati Devi (widow of Chandirka Dhangar), Rampati Devi, Phulmati Devi, Malti Devi, and Sarita Devi, also narrated their difficulties. They stated that even after their husbands' deaths, they have not received their due earnings, and it is challenging to run families on meager pensions. These dependents have urged the government to pay the outstanding wages and increase pension amounts.

In response, Bihar State Sugar Corporation official Remnat Jha stated over the phone that all possible efforts are being made for the payment of outstanding dues, assuring prompt payment. However, he did not specify a definite payment date. Former employees and dependents of deceased workers now anxiously await the payment of their long-pending dues.