Benefits not being given to Contract Civic Workers in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: Jagadish Hiremani, member of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis took Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to task for not implementing the state government’s guidelines on serving breakfast for all Pourakarmikas (civic workers).

Speaking to media following a review meeting here, Mr Hiremani said that he will first go through the MCC’s seven-year contract with Antony Waste Handling Cell. “I want to verify whether the civic workers appointed are genuine or bogus. There are 591 civic workers working with Antony Waste Handling Cell,” he said.

The government has directed to credit the salary directly into bank account of civic workers; yet, the MCC has furnished an excuse for not making direct payments. MCC has attributed to its seven years of contract with Antony Waste Handling Cell as a reason for not making direct payment to the civic workers. “I will speak to the principal secretary of Urban Development Department and direct him to make direct payment to the civic workers,” said Mr Hiremani.

Mr Hiremani said that the services of 64 civic workers were regularised in 2006 but because of a technical problem, they continue as daily wage workers and have been deprived of benefits from the government. Of the 64 civic workers, 20 have already died. The authorities have been directed to regularise the services of the remaining civic workers immediately, he informed.

No breakfast served

All urban local bodies (ULBs) have been given an option of serving breakfast or to pay Rs 20 per day to a civic worker. The ULB’s have been serving breakfast to civic workers, including those hired on contract basis. However, in MCC, only permanent civic workers are paid Rs 20 per day and the civic workers engaged on contract basis are neither paid nor served breakfast by the corporation.

Services to be regularized

When informed about the government’s guidelines, MCC commissioner promised to float a tender on serving breakfast to all the civic workers. MCC has also failed to initiate the process to regularize the services of civic workers. Hence, the authorities have promised to initiate the process according to the government’s orders, within a fortnight. The services of around 130 civic workers employed by Antony Waste Handling Cell, (firm entrusted for solid waste management), can be regularised, Hiremani informed.

Unscientific and unsatisfactory accommodation

Mr Hiremani pointed out that the 32 houses constructed for civic workers in Mangaluru were unscientific. Though there is clear specification from the government on constructing houses (plinth area between 700 square feet to 1,200 square feet), houses with 350 square feet are being constructed for the civic workers. “I have directed the commissioner to merge two houses and allocate it to a beneficiary so that they get 700 square feet house,” he said.

Mr Hiremani explained that the Union government is aiming to provide housing scheme to all all civic workers, including those on contract basis by 2020. All the civic workers should get equal pay for equal work. All should be covered under insurance scheme, including Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana. Health care and safety equipment should be given to all.

The educational needs of the dependents of civic workers should be taken care. Dependents above 18 years of age are eligible for a loan up to  Rs 20 lakh from National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation to take up self-employment, he added.