Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 8: In a significant move, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Monday that the Karnataka government will grant permanent employment to "pourakarmikas" (civic workers) on May 1. coinciding with Labour Day celebrations.
Speaking at the 25th annual celebration of the Pourakarmika Maha Sangha and an awareness programme held at the Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said: “Like the vachanas of Basavanna that say 'work is worship', you are engaged in sacred labour. Few are willing to do the kind of work you do. Hence, it is the government's responsibility and duty to address your issues and fulfil your demands.”
Emphasising the dignity of labour, he continued, “There is no difference between a Chief Secretary and a pourakarmika. All services are sacred. It is not right to treat you disrespectfully. You, too, deserve professional dignity and social respect. Therefore, your services will be made permanent."
The chief minister also confirmed that the jobs of drivers working alongside pourakarmikas on a contract basis would be regularised, ensuring further stability for these essential workers.
Siddaramaiah urged the pourakarmikas to focus on the education and empowerment of their children. "Children of pourakarmikas must be educated and empowered. Only through education can one achieve self-respect. Educate all your children. Every child has talent; they just need an opportunity. When opportunities are given, their potential will emerge," he said.
He added, “You are doing hard work to maintain cleanliness now, but your children should not have to do the same. They should move on to other professions and progress. You must integrate into the mainstream of society.”
As part of the government’s broader commitment to the welfare of pourakarmikas, Siddaramaiah assured that they would be provided with cashless health cards. Furthermore, issues regarding the identity and recognition of workers would be resolved.
The chief minister also praised Narayana, the former Mayor of Bengaluru, for his advocacy of pourakarmikas. "Narayana, who rose from this community to become the Mayor, has made a huge contribution to the pourakarmika movement," Siddaramaiah noted.
He further acknowledged the government’s achievements in improving the lives of pourakarmikas, saying, “The problems presented by Narayan before the government have been resolved in many ways by our administration. It was our government that ended the contract system and ensured that salaries are paid directly by the municipality. We also facilitated the construction of 524 houses for pourakarmikas in Mysuru, granting Rs 6.5 lakh per house under the housing scheme. This was done only by our government.”
Siddaramaiah also highlighted improvements in pourakarmika salaries, stating, “The pourakarmika salary has been increased from Rs 7,000 to Rs 17,000 during my tenure.”
In an effort to expand the horizons of pourakarmikas, the CM stated, “Every year, 1,000 pourakarmikas are being sent on foreign tours. The pourakarmika community must also develop global awareness.”
This announcement comes as a major step in the state’s ongoing efforts to uplift the pourakarmika community, recognising their essential contributions while ensuring better opportunities and living standards for them and their families.