At the initiative of Bhagwat Prasad Makwana, Vice-Chairman of the Uttarakhand Sanitation Workers Commission, a high-level meeting was held at the Directorate of Panchayati Raj, Dehradun, to address the issues faced by sanitation workers. Presided over by Urban Development Secretary Nitesh Kumar Jha, the meeting was attended by office-bearers of employee unions and senior officials.
Key Decisions and Demands:
• Post Creation and Regularization: Emphasis was placed on creating new permanent posts for sanitation workers (*Paryavaran Mitras*) and supervisors in local bodies based on population, recruiting for vacant positions, and regularizing employees who have completed 10 years of service.
• Salary and Security: Discussions were held regarding linking the salary band of sanitation workers to the index to ensure pay increments, providing outsourced staff with equal pay on the lines of UPNAL, and abolishing the contract labor system.
• Health and Welfare: Directives were issued regarding ESI and PF coverage for all workers, the establishment of a welfare fund, the issuance of ‘Golden Cards’ through special camps within the next three months, and the provision of annual health check-ups.
• Housing Facilities: Consideration will be given to prioritizing private landowners under the PM Awas Yojana and providing housing facilities to the workers.
