Mysuru/Mysore: Even as the district administration is taking necessary measures and has enforced certain regulatory measures to stop the spread of the deadly COVID-19, MCC Pourakarmikas have complained that most of them do not have safety gloves and other protective gears.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, the Mysuru District Pourakarmika Association President N. Mara said that Pourakarmikas have played a very crucial role in Mysuru getting the cleanest city tag twice. But it seems that the MCC has ignored the safety and health of its civic workers and it is the duty of the MCC to distribute safety Gloves, face masks and other protective devices.

Welcoming the Government measures to check the spread of Coronavirus, Mara said that safety devices are an absolute necessity for Pourakarmikas who are engaged in cleaning of underground drainages, waste disposal etc.. But most of them do not have safety devices, he added.

Pointing out that there are over 2,000 Pourakarmikas attached to the MCC, he said that though the MCC has been distributing safety gloves and masks once in a year, it is not being done in a proper manner. 

As such, the Association has appealed the MCC Commissioner for appropriate distribution of safety gloves, masks and gum boots. He also warned that all the civic workers will be forced to stop work if they are not provided safety gears and devices on a regular basis.

Mahesh, a Pourakarmika said it has been a year since they were provided safety gloves, masks, gum boots and other equipment needed for work. The gloves and masks should be distributed every month, he said and added that gum boots must be given once in six months.

MCC Health Officer Dr. M.S. Jayanth said that MCC is doing its best to ensure the safety and health of Pourakarmikas. The MCC is in the process of procuring additional gloves and masks and almost all the permanent and contract Pourakarmikas have been distributed the necessary safety gears.

However, a few civic workers in a couple of Wards are yet to get them and measures have  been taken to address this issue, he maintained.