Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 20 November 2023
The Nagarpallika Swachhtha Karmachari Sangh (NSKS), associated with the Andaman Nicobar Rajya Karmachari Mahasangh (ANRKM), orchestrated a significant gathering, the Safai Mitra Sammelan, held at Tiranga Park on November 18, 2023. Aimed at addressing pertinent issues faced by sanitation workers, the event drew attention to their plight and demands.
The inauguration of the Sammelan was marked by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a floral tribute to Maneeniya Dattopant Tengadi and Maa Bharati, conducted by Mr. Ram Pyare Yadav, the State Vice President of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh. Addressing the assembly, Mr. Jaydeep Kumar Dey, President of ANRKM, stressed the need for unity among the workers to fulfill their demands, echoing the slogan “Hum Mazdoor Hai lekin Majboor nahin.”
Mr. Subramaniam, Joint Secretary of NSKS, highlighted the strength of unity among the workers, citing a recent achievement wherein the issue of unpaid bonuses was successfully resolved after a collective effort, leading to the bonuses being disbursed to all employees’ accounts on Saturday night.
Further, Mr. Santosh Kumar, Treasurer, conveyed achievements and advocated for the implementation of schemes outlined by the National Commission for Safai Karmachari, addressing the larger interests of the workers. Mr. S. Biju Pillai, General Secretary of ANRKM, urged the implementation of a draft scheme submitted to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, focusing on safeguarding the rights of all workers, including those on contractual or outsourcing arrangements but engaged in regular duties for over five years.
Expressing gratitude for certain facilities extended to sanitation employees, Mr. Vijay Kumar, Vice President of ANRKM, appealed to the administration to address pending demands promptly.
However, amidst discussions on workers’ rights, Mr. Anoop Gopinathan criticised certain factions, alleging their disinterest in resolving labor-related issues. He highlighted a lack of benefits extended to the working class during their previous governance, accusing them of using the workforce for political criticism without addressing their needs.
The event also saw Mr. Vijay Nair, Finance Secretary of ANRKM, urging participation in a proposed protest in New Delhi on November 22, organized by Rashtriya Rajya Karmachari Mahasangh and Govt. Employees National Confederation, advocating for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.
In a concluding note, Mr. Ram Pyare Yadav re-emphasized the importance of unity among the members present to accomplish the demands of the Safai Mitra.
The Safai Mitra Sammelan served as a platform for discussions and appeals, highlighting both achievements and unresolved issues faced by sanitation workers, urging collective action and governmental attention towards their welfare.