JOIN USThe pourakarmikas mostly work in extreme conditions, with low wages. As a result, they are increasingly falling victims to contagious diseases. In addition, many of the workers have taken to ill-habits to overcome work pressure.
Understanding the strain the pourakarmikas work under, the Safai Karmachari Commission instructed the workers to follow a dress code. It also instructed them to never use bare hands while cleaning public places.
The instructions, however, remain only on paper, as regards Bangarpet workers. There are 35 pourakarmikas employed by the Town Municipal Council and 35 more workers under contract.
The Council has run out of face-masks, gloves, helmets and gum-boots, which are to be compulsorily worn by pourakarmikas. No efforts, however, have been taken to replenish the equipment.
Tenders up to about Rs two lakh have been called already to purchase the work equipment for pourakarmikas. Council president K Chandra Reddy has said the workers would be provided with the gear ‘at the earliest’.
Pourakarmikas who are under contract, however, are forced to continue working without any such safety gear being provided- or even enough wages to get them on their own.