Sanitation workers turn 'semi-naked' during protest to get back jobs

The protest march started outside the municipal corporation office on Wednesday and culminated at city's Neelam Chowk during which the workers raised slogans against the government

Faridabad, August 3: Nearly 160 semi-naked sanitation workers carried out a protest march in Faridabad demanding the restoration of their jobs, whoo turned "jobless" after the HUDA handed over maintenance of certain sectors to the municipal corporation.

The protest march started outside the municipal corporation office on Wednesday and culminated at city's Neelam Chowk during which the workers raised slogans against the government and the administration. The Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) had a few months ago handed over the maintenance of certain sectors and markets to the municipal corporation.

These 160 workers, however, were assured of being "adjusted" in the municipal corporation, claimed Naresh Kumar Shastri, who led the protest which was held yesterday. He said on July 11 Principal Secretary, Haryana, R K Khullar had directed the corporation, Faridabad, that these HUDA employees be taken on duty with immediate effect.

"The government has agreed to include 160 workers in the Faridabad Municipal Corporation. Official orders have been given but the implementation is getting delayed," he claimed, alleging civic body officials were delaying the process. "Names of our children have been struck off school registers because we are unable to pay their fees.

Shastri further said that they were unable to pay electricity bills and landlords are asking them to vacate houses. The workers said if their jobs are not restored, they will launch a protest on August 9 carrying "begging bowls" in their hands.

PTI