Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 22: The Safaikaramchari Union of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has submitted a comprehensive charter of demands to the authorities, seeking immediate resolution of long-pending issues concerning service conditions, regularization and welfare of sanitation workers.
Addressing a press conference here today, Rinku Gill, president of the Union, strongly demanded the abolition of the NGO system for sanitation work in JMC, terming it exploitative. He pointed out that Srinagar Municipal Corporation recruits Safaikaramcharis directly as permanent employees or daily wagers, while JMC continues to outsource sanitation work through NGOs despite both corporations functioning under the same Union Territory administration.
The Union also called for immediate settlement of all pending cases under SRO-43, stating that families of deceased Safaikaramcharis have been waiting for appointments for several years and are facing acute financial distress.
Another major demand raised was the regularization of Permanent Daily Labourers (PDLs) who have completed seven years of service. Gill also highlighted that workers appointed under a special JMC order issued in 2013 are still awaiting regularization even after more than a decade.
Raising concern over inadequate welfare measures, the Union demanded an increase in the ex-gratia relief given to the families of deceased Safaikaramcharis from the existing Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh. It further sought regularization of old Safaikaramchari colonies established in 1957 and allotment of new colonies to address congestion and poor living conditions.
Other demands included conducting an all-cadre Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) and release of 2.5 days’ additional salary to field staff, including supervisors, drivers and sanitation workers.
Gill warned that if the demands are not fulfilled by February 3, the Union will stage a protest at JMC Town Hall on February 4, followed by a march to the Civil Secretariat on February 5. A one-day strike has also been announced for February 6 in case of continued inaction.
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