Mohali stinks as strike by safai sewaks enters Day 3

Our Correspondent

Mohali, July 27

Even as garbage began piling up in parts of Mohali and the streets remained unswept, the strike by safai sewaks of the Municipal Corporation (MC) entered its third day today. However, the work of fogging will be carried out unhindered in the town.

The protesters held a dharna outside the Municipal Bhawan in Sector 68. Slogans were raised against the government and an effigy was burnt.

Mahesh Chand, a resident of Phase 3B1, said a solution to the problem should be found soon by the government. A strike every three months was unjustified, he said, adding that insanitary conditions during the monsoon could pose a major danger to the health of residents.

The protesters accepted the suggestion of the MC Commissioner to carry out fogging work.

Shobha Ram, president of the Municipal Corporation Safai Mazdoor Union, said he received a phone call from the MC Commissioner, who requested that fogging should be done. He said six employees had been asked to carry out fogging in Mohali in public interest. He said the demands already accepted by the government were not being implemented.

Mayor Kulwant Singh said he would hold a meeting with the union leaders and also urge the authorities concerned to implement the genuine demands of the safai sewaks. 

The demands of the protesters include filling of 328 vacant posts through regular recruitment in the civic body, giving posts of drivers to those who had been driving vehicles for a long time, stopping of the contract system in departments, regularisation of services of workers, implementation of the Pay Commission recommendations and an insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh for workers.