A housing society in Hyderabad has recently stirred controversy as a photo of their notice imposing fines on workers using the lift went viral on social media. The notice explicitly stated that delivery boys, maids, and workers should refrain from utilising the passenger lift within the building, and if they are “caught” doing so, a fine of ₹1,000 will be imposed on them. While the underlying reasons for the notice are still unverified, it has sparked significant backlash online, with concerns raised about classism and discrimination.
Numerous individuals took to the micro-blogging platform ‘X,’ formerly known as Twitter, to express criticism of the residents’ decision. One user emphasised, “As a society we are programmed to hide our dark and dirty secrets and today we think the people who do our hard labour work cannot coexist in a same space as we are. Incase they are caught? Like it’s a crime? Fine of ₹1000? It’s probably 25% of most of their salary,” Accompanying this rant was an image of the controversial notice.
Another critic chimed in, “People who are paid ₹15000 every month will be fined ₹1000 for using the same lift as elites. What kind of people are these?” A third quoted George Orwell, lamenting, “All animals are equal, some are more equal than others.”
However, some argued that this doesn’t necessarily imply discrimination. One individual explained, “Not at all. Most of these societies have around 100 flats per building with 3-4 main lifts & 1 service elevator. Hence, if multiple maids, Delivery Ppl start using the main lifts the waiting time for Flat owners will increase. So it’s prudent that Service people use their designated one.” Another echoed this sentiment, stating, “With the number of maids working in high rises and travelling in the lifts through out the day the wait time is nearly 10-15 minutes at times . You do not feel that residents deserve this much convenience?”
Despite the controversy, it’s important to note that this is not the first time such notices in elevators have come to public attention.
