Public health employees allege official apathy

The indefinite strike by DBC/CFW (MTS) employees of the Delhi Municipal Corporation’s Public Health Department has entered its 25th day, with protesting staff accusing the administration of neglect and high-handedness.

Members of the Anti-Malaria Ekta Karmachari Union said the strike, which began on September 29, continued “day and night” without interruption. “Due to the apathy of the MCD towards the employees of the Public Health Department, no solution has been reached so far. Until any administrative action is taken in favour of the employees, the strike will continue,” they said.

The union said the MCD had shown complete indifference towards their demands, forcing employees to remain on strike.

Members of the union said, “Since October 21, officials and leaders in the administration have been trying to forcibly remove employees from the protest site. This continues even today. The same officials, who do not tire of calling the employees their family, have plunged 5,000 families into darkness. It is extremely shameful that instead of giving justice to the employees, the administration is using power to stop them from demanding their legitimate rights.”

The union alleged that officials have misled top government leaders with incorrect data and have never engaged directly with the employees. “Why has the Chief Minister of Delhi not yet called a meeting to find out what is right and what is wrong in this matter? The administration has never asked the employees about their real situation and is acting arbitrarily. This has created deep resentment among all employees.”

Reiterating their determination, the union said, “The employees are hurt by the indifference of the corporation, but not disheartened. The strike will continue as life of the Public Health Department employees has been ruined.”

Expressing disappointment over the corporation’s response during a recent court appearance, the union added, “Even today, at the Central Labour Court in Dwarka, MCD Health Officer Ashok Rawat gave irresponsible and insensitive replies towards the employees, which have deeply hurt all staff members.”