Shloka 2.100.33
शततमः सर्गः — Rāma Questions Bharata on Rājadharma (Governance, Counsel, and Public Welfare)
कालातिक्रमणाच्चैव भक्तवेतनयोर्भृताः।भर्तुः कुप्यन्ति दुष्यन्ति सोऽनर्थ स्सुमहान् स्मृतः।।।।
kālātikramaṇāc caiva bhakta-vetanayor bhṛtāḥ |
bhartuḥ kupyanti duṣyanti so 'narthaḥ sumahān smṛtaḥ ||
When rations and wages are delayed beyond the proper time, dependants grow angry with their master and become disaffected; this is remembered as a very great calamity.
It has been mentioned in the scriptures that if provisions and wages are not paid in stipulated time, the dependent attendants will be incensed with their masters and will turn hostile and become corrupt, leading to great calamity.
Dharma includes honoring obligations on time; neglect of rightful dues breeds resentment and moral decay, ultimately threatening social order.
Rāma explains the practical consequence of delayed payment: it turns loyal dependants into hostile actors, endangering the kingdom.
Administrative foresight: a ruler must anticipate human responses and prevent injustice that triggers disorder.