Almora: A joint meeting of the Devbhoomi Uttarakhand Sanitation Employees’ Union and the Municipal Employees’ Union at Almora Municipal Corporation has brought serious allegations of undue interference and alleged misconduct by some councillors into the public domain.
The meeting, chaired by State General Secretary Rajpal Pawar, witnessed employees from multiple departments expressing concerns over what they described as increasing pressure, verbal misconduct, and interference in official duties following the Municipal Board meeting held on July 25.
Employees alleged that certain councillors bypassed official channels and directly pressured staff members regarding official work. Union leaders maintained that communication with employees should be routed through the Mayor or the Municipal Commissioner in accordance with administrative procedures.
The unions also demanded a substantial increase in the wages of outsourced employees, proposing a minimum monthly salary of ₹20,000. Several departmental representatives raised concerns over alleged pressure relating to pension processing, tax records, street lighting, encroachment drives, certificate issuance, and procurement procedures.
Women employees reported experiencing mental stress due to direct pressure regarding official files and sought a safer and more respectful working environment, including the construction of a dedicated women’s restroom in the municipal office.
Officials from various departments stressed that administrative work should be carried out strictly according to established rules and procedures. They also expressed concern over what they described as growing political interference in day-to-day functioning.
Concluding the meeting, Rajpal Pawar urged all employees to work with unity and discipline while refusing to act under any unlawful pressure. The unions emphasized that administrative efficiency can only be ensured when employees are allowed to perform their duties independently and in accordance with the law.
