Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 07 December 2023
In a session of the Lok Sabha today, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, brought forth a pressing concern regarding the employment status of 1195 casual mazdoors within the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC).
The MP shed light on the enduring plight of these 1195 casual mazdoors who have been serving the PBMC since 1999 under the designation of Daily Rated Mazdoor, who were employed at a mere Rs. 50 per day during the initial days.
During the session in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Sharma articulated the grievances of these employees, stressing that despite being designated as Casual Employees in various batches in 2015, 2017, and 2020, their services have not been regularised.
Having dedicated over 24 years to their roles, these individuals have tirelessly contributed to the betterment of society, often enduring health hazards due to their daily exposure to garbage and challenging working conditions.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Mr. Sharma pointed out that many of these employees have crossed the age of 50 and are nearing retirement. He appealed to the government to regularise their service, emphasizing the crucial role played by these workers, particularly amid challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma’s impassioned plea in Parliament seeks immediate attention and action from the authorities to regularise the services of these long-serving employees, acknowledging their unwavering dedication and service to the community.