'Pourakarmikas' embark on strike against govt apathy

Mysore, May 14 (UNI) The works of sweeping the streets, cleaning drainages and transportation of wastes came to grinding halt in the city today as hundreds of 'Pourakarmikas'- workers embarked on an indefinite strike against the Karnataka government's alleged apathy to their demand of pay parity.

The workers had set May 13 as the deadline for the state government and the Corporation to introduce equal pay to those who work in the underground drainage, on contract basis. At present, they were being paid Rs 3,950 and Rs 2,500 respectively.

City Corporation Commissioner K N Chandrasekhar, however said he had no power to fulfil the demand as the government approval was necessary to increase salaries and provide any other facility.

The agitators also staged a dharna in front of the Corporation Office and shouted slogans against the government.

UNI