Mysore/Mysuru: Several Pourakarmikas aired their grievances during an interaction with Karnataka State Safai Karmachari Commission Chairman P. Raghu at Kalamandira in city recently.

They alleged that although Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), including the Mysuru City Corporation are hiring them on outsourcing basis and no benefits were being extended to their next of kin in the event of their untimely death. They said that dependents are pushed into a financial crisis on losing the family’s sole breadwinner.

No quality food

They said discrepancies in recruitment procedures need to be addressed and complained about the supply of substandard breakfast, which they feared could adversely affect their health.

“We are not being paid salaries by the fifth of every month, pushing us to the brink of hardship. Pourakarmikas, who meet eligibility criteria should be considered for housing benefits under Ashraya Yojana,” they appealed.

Other grievances included not providing uniforms,  annual advance usually given during Dasara and the lack of health check-up facilities in most hospitals across the city and district, except empanelled ones.

They also demanded that vacant Pourakarmika posts be filled and insisted that contractors who secure tenders for outsourcing should provide insurance coverage so that workers can avail benefits under the Labour Department. They urged the Government to issue suitable directions in this regard.

Hoteliers warned

Earlier, addressing the gathering, Commission Chairman Raghu warned hoteliers against denying Pourakarmikas access to toilets and quality food.

Complaints had been received about some hotels ill-treating Pourakarmikas, he said, adding that action would be taken after discussions with the Deputy Commissioner.

Educate children

Raghu advised Pourakarmikas to utilise Government  institutions such as Morarji Desai Model Residential Schools, Indira Gandhi Residential Schools and Navodaya Schools for their children’s education to help them pursue alternative career paths.

He suggested Pourakarmikas make effective use of modern machinery for cleaning and other purposes.

Safai Karmachari Commission Secretary Sumaiya Roohi, Joint Director of Social Welfare Department Rangegowda, District Urban Development Cell Director Priyadarshini and others were present.