Mysore/Mysuru: Urging to recognise them as Pourakarmikas with similar facilities being given to them, to stop the contract system and make them permanent, all the 231 Underground Drainage (UGD) workers of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) will stop work tomorrow and stage protest tomorrow in city.

Addressing a press meet at Patrakarthara Bhavan here yesterday, former Mayor Narayan, who is also the President of Karnataka State City Corporation, Municipal Council and Town Council Pourakarmika Mahasangha said that a symbolic protest would be staged by the MCC Permanent and Contract Employees Association and UGD Workers Association at 11 am in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, urging the authorities to fulfil their demands within 15 days, failing which all UGD workers, permanent and contract Pourakarmikas would stop their work and stage an                                     indefinite stir.

Stating that UGD workers were considered as Pourakarmikas earlier, but the Government about five years ago classified them as ‘UGD Helpers,’ he said that there were 560 permanent and 1,800 contract Pourakarmikas in the MCC who are being given all facilities by the Government, but the UGD workers are denied of such facilities as they are not considered as Pourakarmikas. 

MCC UGD Workers Association Working President Kumaraswamy, who also spoke said “We do the most difficult job. Earlier, we used to get down inside the manhole for cleaning, but stopped following Supreme Court order. But still we are undertaking cleaning of manholes, which is exposing us to many diseases. When we are taking up the difficult work, the Government should consider us as Pourakarmikas, make us permanent employees and provide facilities to us.”

Pourakarmika leader N. Mara, MCC Permanent and Contract Employees Association President G. Mahadeva, General Secretary Srinivas, MCC UGD Workers Association President Palani, General Secretary Ganesh and others were present  at the press meet.