Mysuru: A day-long seminar on facilities and healthcare for Pourakarmikas of Mysuru division, was held at Kalamandira here on Mar. 17.

Speaking after inaugurating the seminar, Karnataka Safai Karmachari Commission Chairman M.R. Venkatesh said the Commission has recommended that Pourakarmikas who die while in service must be given State honours, just as in the case of martyred jawans, who sacrifice their lives fighting for the nation. Pourakarmikas too risk their lives while maintaining the health of the society, he added.

Pointing out that the State Government had sanctioned Rs. 9 crore to the Health Department for taking care of the health of Pourakarmikas who work under strenuous and hazardous conditions, Venkatesh observed that Pourakarmikas were a vital link in the healthcare system.

Quoting a survey where it is said only 25 per cent of Pourakarmikas live to complete their service when the rest die while in service due to various ailments, he underlined the need for the Pourakarmika fraternity to be careful about their health.

He gave a brief on all the facilities extended by the Government for the welfare of Pourakarmikas.

The Commission’s former Chairman Narayana said that there were 12 lakh contract Pourakarmikas across the country with more than 42,000 of them in Karnataka.

Regretting that contractors were exploiting the outsourced Pourakarmikas, Narayana said the State Government has taken the initiative for abolishing the contract system.

Pointing out that Pourakarmikas would get monthly wages of Rs. 21,000 if the 6th Pay Commission recommendations come into effect, Narayana called upon the Pourakarmikas to be informed about various benefits and facilities extended to them by the Government.

Hundreds of Pourakarmikas serving in different levels of local bodies in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts attended the programme. Mayor B. Bhagyavathi, ZP President Nayeema Sultana, Corporator Shivanna, Commission member G.K. Meenakshamma, MCC Additional Commissioner Ravindra and others were present.