Over 11K Pourakarmikas to be regularised in 1st Phase

MYSURU, Karnataka: M Shivanna, Chairman of the State Safai Karmchari Commission, said that around 11,133 direct payment Pourakarmikas working for the urban local bodies (ULBs) in Karnataka will be regularised in the first phase.

Chairman Shivanna was addressing a press conference following the meeting regarding the concerns of the Pourakarmikas at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office on March 13.

Later in the second phase, 12,867 Pourakarmikas will be regularised. Also, the officials have been asked to conduct mandatory health checkups of the Pourakarmikas and provide them with safety kits as they often face health issues due to the nature of their work.

He further informed that spots have been identified to build rest houses for Pourakarmikas, and some of them were also sent on a study tour to Gujarat and Singapore. 

As there is very little data containing details of the cleaning staff working in the government and private hospitals, bus stands etc, a survey is being conducted to ascertain social, economic and educational conditions of sanitation staff members. The survey exercise has already begun in Mysuru and Ballari. Once the survey is completed ID cards will be issued to the cleaning staff.

Earlier Pourakarmikas used to get ₹20 as a daily breakfast allowance, but now they will get ₹35.

Dr KV Rajendra, Deputy Commissioner, said that services of 306 Pourakarmikas are also being regularised and their wages are being paid on time along with other statutory benefits. DC further informed that 158 Pourakarmikas have also been selected under Gruha Bhagya Scheme.