Dehradun/Almora
Dehradun. The Uttarakhand Devbhoomi Safai Karamchari Union (State Unit) has raised several long-pending issues concerning municipal sanitation workers by submitting a memorandum to the Hon’ble Urban Development Minister. The memorandum was presented under the leadership of State President Rahat Masih and State General Secretary Rajpal Pawar.
One of the प्रमुख demands highlighted in the memorandum is the regularization of daily wage, contractual, outsourced, and other temporary employees. The union stated that under the current government notification, only those employees who completed 10 years of continuous service by December 4, 2018 are eligible for regularization. Due to this cutoff, a large number of workers have been excluded. The union has demanded relaxation in the time limit and urged the government to consider a minimum of 5 years of service up to 2025, along with issuing a separate government order specifically for municipal workers.
Another significant issue raised is granting ownership rights to sanitation workers over the houses they have been living in for generations. The union pointed out that despite a 2016 government notification and data collection from local bodies, sanitation workers have still not been granted ownership rights over these properties. The union has demanded immediate action to resolve this long-pending matter.
The memorandum also addressed the issue of promotions for sanitation workers working as acting Environmental Supervisors. The union stated that despite working in supervisory roles for years with dedication, these workers have not been given due promotions. Earlier discussions had promised that 50% of such posts would be filled through promotion, but no action has been taken so far, leading to growing dissatisfaction among employees.
The union further demanded amendments in compassionate appointment rules. It emphasized that sanitation work is highly risky, and many workers die during service due to serious health conditions. In such cases, their dependents should be given employment in municipal bodies under special provisions.
Additionally, the union expressed concern over the increasing outsourcing of sanitation jobs. It highlighted that outsourcing has made workers’ futures insecure. Referring to the critical role played by sanitation workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the union urged the government to recognize their contribution and provide them with permanent employment instead of contractual arrangements.
The union appealed to the Urban Development Minister to take immediate and serious action on these issues. It stated that sanitation workers are a vital part of society, playing a crucial role in maintaining public hygiene and health, and therefore their concerns must not be ignored.
The union expressed hope that the government will take a positive decision and ensure justice for sanitation workers across the state.
