Rajasthan: Sanitation workers strike indefinitely, garbage piles up in many cities, including Jaipur
Suspense Crime, Digital Desk : Sanitation workers have begun an indefinite strike. Sanitation services have been stopped in several cities, including Jaipur. Workers are protesting, calling for an end to recruitment, quotas and outsourcing.
Sanitation workers in Rajasthan including Jaipur went on an indefinite strike on Saturday (June 27). The effects of the strike were apparent on the first day. "Garbage heaps have piled up on roads and crossings in many parts of Jaipur. The residents are suffering from the standstill in the sanitation work.
Sanitation workers say many of their long-standing demands have yet to be met. They are demanding quota for Valmiki community in recruitment, immediate recruitment for long pending vacancies and scrapping of contract system through outsourcing. They say they have had many discussions with the government, but no solid decisions have been made.
Protest at garbage dump
Sanitation workers in several parts of Jaipur have protested by dumping garbage at road crossings and sides of the roads. ‘They say this is a way to get the government’s eye on their problems. Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation and other municipal bodies have also put their staff on a complete strike.
The government has not responded to their demands despite several rounds of talks, said Nandkishore Dandoriya, president, Rajasthan Safai Karamchari Union. This has compelled the workers to go on an indefinite strike. He also appealed to the people of the state to extend support to them during the strike.
Many cities affected, solution expected soon.
Apart from Jaipur, the strike is also affecting some other cities including Jodhpur, Kota, Bikaner and Ajmer. Many employees are protesting outside the municipal corporations. The employees have made it clear that assurances alone will not be enough this time. The strike will continue till the government takes concrete decision on their demands. Meanwhile the public is hoping that talks will soon take place between the government and the employees to bring the sanitation system back to normal.
