“Dignity & Justice for Safaikaramcharis”: Vice Chairman Surinder Kalyan reviews workers’ issues at MCC

Chandigarh, April 9:- In a significant step towards addressing the concerns of sanitation workers, Sh. Surinder Kalyan, Vice Chairman of the Punjab State Safaikaramchari Commission, Chandigarh, visited the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and conducted a comprehensive review meeting MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS and other senior officers of MCC i.e. Joint Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Gupta, Medicla Officer of Health Dr. Inderdeep Kaur, and office bearers of safaikarmachari unions and safaikarmacharis.

During the meeting, a wide range of issues affecting sanitation workers were discussed in detail. The Municipal Corporation officials apprised the Vice Chairman of the prevailing challenges, while representatives of the Sanitation Workers’ Union presented their long-pending demands.

A major concern raised was the regularization of nearly 95 daily-wage sanitation workers who have been serving continuously for the past 18–20 years on compassionate grounds. The union also highlighted the issue of 13 UT Villagers, demanding Basic plus DA benefits at par with other workers and the regularization of remaining eligible employees.

Expressing deep concern, the union pointed out that 375 sanitation workers have lost their lives during service, yet their dependents continue to work under contractors instead of being provided permanent employment. The demand to bring all outsourced and contractual sanitation workers under the direct payroll of the Municipal Corporation was also strongly emphasized.

The meeting further brought attention to the absence of permanent recruitment in the Health Department since 1987, despite a significant increase in the city’s population. Issues related to delay in salary disbursement to drivers and outsourced sanitation workers were also highlighted.

Serious concerns were raised regarding the functioning of private firm engaged in sanitation work, where workers are reportedly being repeatedly blocked through an ID-based system and replaced, leading to undue harassment. The union demanded immediate discontinuation of this practice.

Addressing the gathering, Sh. Surinder Kalyan underscored that sanitation workers are the backbone of urban cleanliness and must be ensured job security, dignity, and fair treatment. He directed the Municipal Corporation officials to examine all issues on priority and take necessary action in accordance with rules.

The Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh assured full cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the genuine concerns of sanitation workers in a time-bound, transparent, and humane manner.

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Young changemakers take charge: MCC inspires students under ‘Swachh Yuva Doot’ initiative

Chandigarh, April 9:- In a proactive step towards nurturing responsible citizens, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh organized an engaging and educational visit for students of First Step School, Sector 26, at its Sector 17 office under the ‘Swachh Yuva Doot’ initiative.

The programme was designed to instill the values of cleanliness, sanitation, and civic responsibility among young minds. The enthusiastic students were addressed by MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, and Joint Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Gupta, along with other senior officials.

During an interactive session, the officers explained the pivotal role of the Municipal Corporation in maintaining urban infrastructure and public hygiene. Special emphasis was laid on waste segregation, sanitation practices, and the collective responsibility of citizens in keeping the city clean and green.

The students actively participated, displaying curiosity and keen interest in understanding how waste is managed across the city. They were encouraged to adopt simple yet impactful habits such as proper disposal of waste and maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.

As part of the visit, the students were given a guided tour of the MC building, including the General House Assembly Hall, where key policy decisions shaping the city are taken. The visit offered them a firsthand glimpse into the functioning of civic administration.

The initiative successfully aimed at empowering children to become ‘Swachh Yuva Doots’ (Cleanliness Ambassadors), inspiring them to practice and promote cleanliness within their communities.

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh reiterated its commitment to involving young citizens in its mission for a cleaner and healthier city, recognizing them as vital partners in building a sustainable future.