Municipal sanitation workers have been deprived of their wages for the past three months, leading to protests and a potential strike. The sanitation employees had submitted a memorandum demanding timely salary payments within a specified timeframe. With the payment deadline unmet, they have initiated a strike, locking municipal offices. In a show of solidarity, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and legislators have also joined the protest, expressing support for the workers.
The situation arises from a financial crunch faced by the municipal corporation, with the municipal administration citing reduced funds. The Municipal Commissioner, Kushal Singh Dudwe, highlighted the challenges, stating that the funds allocated for salaries have decreased significantly in recent months, making it challenging to meet the financial obligations. He mentioned that while the earlier allocation was around 80 lakhs, recent disbursements varied between 18 to 20 lakhs, making it impractical to pay the full salaries.
The matter has been brought to the attention of the Joint Director of Municipal Administration and Collector Badwani. A letter is being drafted by the Collector to the Commissioner, addressing the financial constraints faced by the municipal corporation. The Municipal Commissioner stressed that the financial difficulties have impacted the employees, and it is not feasible for the municipal administration to disburse salaries at the moment.
In response to the crisis, the protesting employees have gained support from various quarters, including local politicians, the CMO, and the Congress legislator Rajan Mandloi. The collective plea is for the employees to receive their pending salaries promptly. The issue is expected to be raised during the upcoming legislative session scheduled to commence on the 7th, where a more extensive discussion on the salary concerns is anticipated.
The workers’ grievances reflect not only their financial struggles but also the complexities municipalities face in managing their budgetary allocations. As the situation unfolds, the resolution of the salary payment issue remains uncertain, with hopes pinned on the upcoming legislative session for potential solutions.
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