Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 14 July 2023
Mr. D. Ayyappan, Vice President of CITU Andaman & Nicobar State Organizing Committee, accompanied by Secretaries Mr. SP Kalairajan and Mr. Anand Rajan, met with the Secretary of Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) on July 14, 2023. The delegation raised important issues concerning the rights and benefits of daily rated mazdoors working under the PBMC.
During the meeting, Ayyappan emphasised the immediate need for the grant of 1/30th of pay plus DA to all the remaining daily rated mazdoors employed by the PBMC. He highlighted that most departments under the Administration has already implemented the A & N Administration’s order dated May 9, 2023, in this regard. However, the PBMC is yet to extend this benefit to its eligible workers, prompting the demand for swift action.
In addition to the pay grant, Ayyappan called for the regularisation of services for all daily rated mazdoors working in the PBMC. He suggested that vacant positions within the PBMC should be filled by promptly regularising the services of these workers. The move would not only recognise their contributions but also provide them with stability and improved working conditions.
Ayyappan also raised concerns regarding the welfare of the municipal workers. He urged the PBMC Secretary to issue uniforms, raincoats, hand gloves, and other necessary equipment to ensure the safety and well-being of these workers. Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of conducting medical examinations for all sanitary workers to safeguard their health.
In response to the CITU delegation’s demands, the Secretary of PBMC assured them that the issues would be examined, and appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations.