Hands that helped Mysuru win 'Cleanest City' tag feted

Revenue and District in-charge Minister V Srinivas Prasad promised Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Pourakarmikas (Civic workers) that he would discuss the issue of revoking the contract system and regularisation of their services with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Addressing pourakarmikas at a felicitation ceremony organised by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) in the wake of Mysuru city emerging as the cleanest among 476 cities of the country in a ‘Swacch Bharat’ survey, the minister said the government is also considering a proposal to recommend the Union government to grant internal reservation for Pourakarmikas. That apart, there is a need for a separate law to check the exploitation of the community by contractors, he said.

Crediting the pourakarmikas for bringing laurels to the city, Prasad said there is a feeling of disgust among some people about the community. Such feelings about the people coming from the lowest strata of the society should be changed, he observed.

Pourakarmikas have inherited the job from their ancestors. However, the younger generation among them should be provided with better education to facilitate them occupy higher positions in the society. It can happen with constant pressure on the government, he said.

Chairman of Karnataka State Safai Karmachari Commission and former mayor Narayana said it is high time the contract system is revoked to ensure job security to pourakarmikas.

“There seems to be a ray of hope in this regard with the government making up its mind to provide at least Rs 16,000 salary per month. It is expected to be a reality after the elections to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, scheduled to be held on August 22,” he said.