Mysuru/Bengaluru: Even as the Pourakarmikas’ Statewide strike entered the second day today, the State Government, bowing to the demands of the contract Pourakarmikas, has assured that their jobs will be regularised. On this assurance, the Pourakarmikas have decided to withdraw their indefinite strike temporarily.

Speaking to Star of Mysore over the phone from Bengaluru, here this afternoon, former Karnataka State Safai Karmachari Commission Chairman and former Mysuru Mayor Narayana said, “Social Welfare Minister H. Anjaneya came to us at Bannappa Park and promised that the jobs of the contract Pourakarmikas will be regularised. A high power committee meeting was held last night where the Chief Minister also participated and it was decided to regularise the jobs and also fill the vacant posts.”

However, Naryana said that they have decided to postpone the State-wide agitation till June 20 and not completely withdraw it till the demands are implemented. He said that a meeting has been convened on June 20 by the Chief Minister and based on the decision taken at the meeting future course of action will be made.

Meanwhile, the Pourakarmikas in Mysuru are awaiting the decision of their counterparts in Bengaluru and only when they receive proper communication will they take a decision to withdraw the agitation.

Mysuru Nagara Pourakarmikara Sangha President N. Mara, speaking to Star of Mysore said, “Only when we get a clear message that our demands are being met will we withdraw the agitation. However, all indications are there that it is being met.”

Asked what their demands were, he said that the main demand was regularisation of all contract labour and the salary on par with regular employees.

“We are demanding the regularisation of the contract workers and a salary of Rs. 18,000 per month. After all, we work under inhuman conditions and there is no reason why we should not be paid the salary we demand,” he said.

The impact of the strike could be seen in Devaraj Market as garbage was not cleared both inside and outside the market for the second day.