Sanitation workers happy with BBMP’s stance on assault

NT Bengaluru: Pourakarmikas and trade leaders expressed relief over the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) stance on the incident of assault against a few sanitation workers by residents on September 11. BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath penned a letter to Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Dayananda, demanding appropriate action be taken against the accused who allegedly assaulted them under the lines of caste. Nirmala M, president of the BBMP Pourakarmika Sangha, was delighted over the BBMP’s stance in this incident. “Our protest outside the head office a few days ago had evoked this response. They’ve finally opened their eyes!” she said.

A press note advising Bengalureans to not abuse sanitation workers based on race, and caste was well welcomed by a lot. “However, laws against this in the BBMP act must be brought in,” she added. Although this move by the BBMP may be a watershed moment for Pourakarmikas, their conditions remain negligible, Nirmala said. “A lot of workers still don’t have access to sanitation and drinking water,” she contested. Pourakarmikas in Banaswadi and Mahadevapura, she observes don’t have access to basic facilities. “The authorities need to ensure the work environment needs to be improved,” she added.

As weather conditions grow unfavourable, Nirmala also felt that climate friendly-free sized clothing is necessary. “Many workers don’t get the right sized clothing,” she said. “ State committee member of the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) put forth that the authorities need to take preventive and precautionary steps on atrocities against sanitation workers.

“The state government needs to plan up a policy for the welfare of the pourakarmikas. Residents and in some cases officials are found abusing workers on the grounds of caste, which needs to be avoided by making advertisements, and pamphlets,” she added.