The invisible workforce that still awaits recognition

A nation cannot call itself free while its workers remain voiceless and unseen

Bengaluru: Despite working for so many years, we are still not recognised as permanent employees. It’s truly disheart ening,” said a dejected Gowramma, a pourakarmika in Bengaluru. She voiced her frustration over the BBMP’s continued failure to grant permanent status to most pourakarmikas, adding that many have yet to secure a guaranteed Provident Fund.

As we mark the 79th Independence Day, we must remember that true freedom begins when the government listens to those who keep the nation running, the poura karmikas who clean our streets, the sanitation workers who manage our waste, the garment workers who power a vital industry, and the gig workers who deliver our groceries within minutes.

Without them, daily life as we know it would grind to a halt. Authorities must ensure that their vital contributions are met with the support and respect they deserve. “If only the government could help us with healthcare, it would make a world of difference,” said Manjula and Kadrappa, their hands roughened from 15 years of sweeping the city’s streets.

Another worker shared, “There are so many complications with salaries and the documents we have to submit. Even after submit ting everything, we still don’t get much.” They added that there are no paid leaves — any time off is deducted from their salary. For delivery partners like Kalavathi, life is far from easy.

“I work to support my family and educate my child. It’s difficult, but I keep pushing through,” she said. She spoke of the everyday struggles of a gig worker: getting stuck in traffic, climbing endless flights of stairs no matter the floor, and facing discrimination in gated communities where she’s barred from using the lift.

“What’s worse,” she sighed, “is how the police turn a blind eye to big cars blocking the road, but the moment they see one of our two-wheelers parked by mistake in a no-parking zone, we’re slapped with a fine.” Braving peak heat and stormy weather, they are treated less like human beings and more like extensions of an app. 

Our freedom remains incomplete as long as an entire section of society continues to struggle for basic needs, respect, and the dignity owed to every citizen. The government must take the first step, leading change by providing opportunities for growth, introducing schemes and initiatives that motivate workers, and ensuring their well-being.