Mandya’s Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Kumar, recently declared that the immaculate cleanliness of our communities is primarily thanks to the dedicated efforts of our pourakarmikas, not just the officials.
Speaking at the Pourakarmika Day event, organized by the Mandya City Municipal Council (CMC) on Tuesday, Mr. Kumar emphasized that no amount of salary or government benefits could truly equate to the selfless service these workers provide to society.
Recognizing their inherent selflessness in fulfilling their duties, Mr. Kumar reiterated that it is the profound responsibility of all officials to prioritize and ensure the well-being of these essential sanitation workers.
He strongly urged pourakarmikas to safeguard their health during work, stressing the importance of wearing proper safety and protective gear in addition to their uniforms. He further empowered them to demand such equipment from officials, asserting it as their fundamental right.
Mr. Kumar also delivered a vital message, warning pourakarmikas against pressuring their children to leave their studies to join the same profession. Instead, he encouraged them to support their children in pursuing higher education, enabling them to integrate into the mainstream and aspire to become officials themselves.
Highlighting the regular monthly meetings dedicated to protecting their interests, Mr. Kumar affirmed that all sanitation workers must receive comprehensive health insurance. He added that officials have been specifically directed to guarantee health insurance coverage and arrange for regular medical check-ups for all pourakarmikas.
Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner announced that steps would soon be implemented to transition the remaining 32 outsourced sanitation workers to a direct payment system. He also noted significant progress in housing initiatives, with 88 homes already completed for pourakarmikas and another 16 nearing completion.
Narasimha Murthy, Treasury Officer of the Urban Development Department, encouraged pourakarmikas to become fully informed about the various government facilities available to them.
Mr. Murthy specifically urged these workers to actively utilize the monthly meetings as a platform to voice their concerns and issues.
This push for direct salary deposits stems from past issues where pourakarmikas, working under outsourced contracts, often faced irregularities in receiving their rightful salaries, Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), and Provident Fund (PF) benefits.
Recognizing Excellence: Award Presentation
The event also celebrated excellence, with prizes awarded to pourakarmikas who demonstrated outstanding service and to the victors of various sports competitions.
Additionally, scholarships were proudly presented to the children of pourakarmikas who are currently pursuing higher education, investing in their future.
Notable attendees included Mandya CMC President M.V. Prakash and Commissioner Pampashree, among other dignitaries.