Leading a band of protesters, former MLA M K Somashekar who staged a sit-in demonstration in front of DC’s office here on Tuesday, alleged that it was unfortunate to note that despite media reports, the State Government has failed to initiate any action to check it.
In his appeal to the Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr C J Betsurmath, the former MLA urged him to address the demands of the community involved in such labour on priority. The memorandum stated that according to law the authorities should earmark 18 per cent of the funds sanctioned for any development works, towards the uplift of harijans and other downtrodden communities. When crores of funds will be spent on Dasara related works, it wouldn’t be a burden for the authorities to ensure that their demands are met. The demands included education for the kids of those involved in cleaning roads and underground drainages, introducing vehicles from Zilla Panchayat to transport night soil and equip people deputed on the job with uniform, handglove and also oxygen mask.
Leaders R Murthy, ex -Corporator N Prakash, Harish, S P Manjunath participated.