Pradeep is not alone.
Most of the 2,000-odd protesting workers have earned a quarter of their salary in the four-month stand-off with the management.
But the financial adversity has not dissuaded them, as most have other means of sustenance.
Manoj Kumar,25, a permanent worker from Jhunjhunu, said, "I have earned only Rs 16,000 since June, whereas I should have got at least Rs 64,000 in normal circumstances.
"My family isn't complaining, as my father who is in government service takes care of the household."
For most workers -- aged between 22 and 27 and fresh out of industrial training institutes, Maruti is their first job.
Coming from families with multiple working members, most do not have the pressure of sending money back home.
"I get Rs 6,500 a month. My family has agricultural land in UP. I am the youngest of the four brothers all of whom are employed.
"They are sending me around Rs 2,000 to take care of my monthly rent," said Mohammad Gyassuddin, a contract worker.
Others also agree salary is not an issue. They say the demand for increasing salary would be raised once the present strike ends.
"I am working here for three years and was about to become permanent. At any other place, I would have to start all over again.
"Some
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