Sanitation workers in Sirohi have been on strike for 22 days over pending wages.
Former MLA Sanyam Lodha reached the protest site to support the workers.
An assurance of pending payment by Monday was secured after calling the commissioner to the spot.
Lodha warned of action under the SC/ST Act if payments are not made.
Sirohi | The strike by sanitation workers employed under the contract system in the Sirohi Municipal Council continued for the 22nd day. On Thursday, former MLA Sanyam Lodha reached out to the protesting workers, who are demanding their pending wages, and extended his support to their struggle.
Sanyam Lodha Takes Charge
Upon reaching the protest site, former MLA Sanyam Lodha met with the striking workers and listened to their problems in detail. He assured the employees that he is fully with them in their fight for their rights.
Commissioner Summoned to the Spot
After hearing the workers' grievances, Lodha immediately summoned the Municipal Council Commissioner to the protest site. He clearly told the commissioner that he would not leave the location until a concrete and clear arrangement for the payment of the sanitation workers was made.
Sanyam Lodha expressed his anger to the commissioner, stating that the very workers who keep the city clean are being made to wait for their wages for months. He described this situation as completely unjust and unacceptable.
Commissioner Explains Payment Status
In response, the commissioner informed that the sanitation contractor has seven months of payments due from the Municipal Council. He mentioned that despite this, to provide immediate relief to the workers, one month's payment has been released to the contractor's account to disburse salaries.
Lodha Warns of Action Under SC/ST Act
Hearing about the one-month payment, Sanyam Lodha raised a strong objection. He said that harassing the workers in this manner is not right. He warned that if such treatment of these workers, who belong to the Scheduled Caste community, continues, action will be taken against the concerned officials and the contractor under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Assurance of Payment by Monday Received
After a long discussion and Sanyam Lodha's firm stance, the Municipal Council Commissioner relented. He assured that the process of clearing all pending payments for the sanitation workers would be completed by Monday. Following this assurance, the workers decided to give the administration time.
The former MLA stated that due to the 22-day long strike, the entire city's sanitation system has collapsed. Piles of garbage are seen everywhere, causing immense hardship to the general public.
Administration Accused of Neglect
He also accused the administration of neglecting the city's basic problems. Lodha said that the administration is paying no attention to issues like sanitation, roads, sewerage, streetlights, and stray animals.
Citizens Also Voice Their Problems
Other citizens present at the protest site also informed Sanyam Lodha about their problems. In response, Lodha discussed with the commissioner on the spot and directed necessary action. A large number of Congress workers, sanitation employees, and city residents were present during this time.
गणपत सिंह मांडोली
