Sanitation workers stage hunger strike against contract system

Sanitation workers have launched an indefinite hunger strike outside the Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) office at Ranjit Avenue here to protest against the contract system and alleged bonded labour practices. The workers, many of whom have served the Trust for several years, claim that despite their long tenure, they have not been made permanent employees. They currently earn only Rs 300 per day, which they say is insufficient to support their families. The hunger strike is being conducted in a relay format, with two workers fasting each day.

The protesters are demanding the abolition of the contract system and the regularisation of their jobs. They also allege that the DC rate — the minimum daily wage fixed by the district administration — has not been revised for years, leaving them in exploitative working conditions under outsourcing arrangements.

As of now, no senior official from the AIT or district administration has visited the protest site, though police personnel have been deployed to maintain order. On Thursday, the administration reportedly assured the protesting workers that a delegation of the protesters would be given an opportunity to meet with the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar.

Addressing the protesters, Nitish Bhim of the Bhim Action Committee accused the Punjab Government of maintaining a negative attitude toward labourers and Dalit workers. He stated that the peaceful protest would continue until all demands are met.