Bengaluru
A direct interaction meeting was held in Jayanagar, where Karnataka State Safai Karmachari Commission (KSSKC) Chairperson P Raghu met pourakarmikas, loaders, cleaners, auto-tipper drivers and other sanitation staff working under Bengaluru South City Corporation.
Workers shared many concerns, such as lack of basic facilities, delays in recruitment, problems with compensation for families of deceased workers, PF issues, biometric attendance errors, pending wages and the shortage of toilets and restrooms.
Raghu listened carefully to every complaint and instructed officials to take quick action. He said that there will be no compromise on the facilities that sanitation workers are legally entitled to receive. To support the workers, he issued several directions. He ordered officials to issue pending appointment orders within one week and to expand restroom facilities in every ward. He stressed that every mustering point must have a restroom, toilet and clean drinking water.
He warned that hotels refusing toilet access to pourakarmikas will face notices and legal action. Public toilets in parks must be maintained well and made available for workers. Cases of pending salaries due to technical problems must be cleared immediately, and families of workers who die while on duty must receive compensation without delay.
He added that compassionate appointment cases are being considered by the government and that compensation of ₹10 lakh must reach families properly. Health check-ups every three months and yearly master check-ups must be ensured. He asked officials to coordinate with the Social Welfare Department to provide required Sindhutva certificates. He also directed the Labour Department to ensure timely PF and ESI payments.
Raghu urged senior officers to treat sanitation workers with respect. He shared a meal with them, saying their hard work keeps the city clean and they must feel supported.