Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)
Udupi, Oct 24: Since 20 years, Dalit woman Sundari Puttur has been collecting garbage in her own vehicle, which she bought with the help of several self-help groups. However, this time around when the ward was allocated, she was discriminated against by the officials of city municipal council (CMC) saying that there are many complaints on her.
Sundari Puttur accused that the officials of CMC, MLAs and the councillors of certain wards have conducted a meeting and have not given importance to the opinion of the civic workers and have distributed the wards according to their wish and will.
When Sundari Puttur asked for a copy of the notice of actions taken against complaints that were raised about her, the officials said that there are no complaints under RTI. When Sundari enquired about the matter with the deputy commissioner, he assured that he would take up the matter with the CMC commissioner. When Sundari approached the CMC commissioner he said that he will take up the matter with MLA. When MLA was contacted by Sundari he said that he will instruct the municipal councillor but none of them seemed to be giving an answer.
Sundari accused that she has been given a ward where there is no income for her and it is not possible for her to manage the expenses of the work that she is doing.
She also said, “Without any complaints from the public, the officials of CMC accuse us. They also use filthy language.” She is asking for justice as she has been working for CMC for 20 years.
Sundari used to collect and sort the garbage in the vehicle that was given by Pragati Nagar Stree Shakti group. She used to drive that vehicle herself. However, now she is carrying out work in the vehicle given by CMC.
Sundari is felicitated by many organizations for her service. Though she is from a poor family, she has completed her PUC in education. She is one among the women who received driving training in 2006. She had opted for this job as she wanted self-employment.
Sundari, who is 53 years old is the lone bread winner for her family as her husband is sick and her daughter is also studying. The city municipality officials should look into her matter immediately and provide justice.