Honnali
At a Labour Day felicitation programme, Dr. H.P. Rajkumar, Secretary of the Bharatiya Vidya Sansthe, called for stronger protection of sanitation workers’ rights and an end to what he described as discriminatory employment practices affecting pourakarmikas.
He said the work of municipal sanitation workers is essential for maintaining public health and urban cleanliness, and their contribution deserves greater respect and recognition. Dr. Rajkumar urged the government to ensure job security and implement the principle of “equal pay for equal work” across all categories of sanitation employees.
He highlighted that in Honnali town, 28 pourakarmikas are currently employed on contract with low wages. He criticised the system in which only a portion of workers are made permanent while others continue under contractual terms despite performing similar duties. According to him, this creates inequality and undermines worker welfare.
Dr. Rajkumar stressed that the government holds responsibility for ensuring the health, safety, and social security of sanitation workers. He demanded immediate steps toward regularisation of contract workers and improved working conditions.
Ganesh K., Joint Secretary of the institution, also spoke at the event, stating that society has a duty to respect those who work continuously to maintain cleanliness in towns and cities. He said the organisation was honoured to recognise their contribution on Labour Day.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of municipal pourakarmikas, attended by local leaders and members of the institution. The event highlighted the importance of dignity, fairness, and social justice for frontline sanitation workers who play a crucial role in public health systems.
