The agitation of sanitation and fire brigade workers continued for the 30th day in Haryana’s Karnal district, but on Friday the style of protest was seen to be different. The workers sitting on strike outside the Municipal Corporation office shaved their heads collectively to express their anger against the government. The workers tried to give a clear message to the government that they will no longer accept the ignoring of their demands. During this, about 10 workers shaved their heads. Worker leaders announced to celebrate it as ‘Shaving Day’ in the entire state. At the protest site, the workers raised slogans against the government and declared a fight till the end for their demands.
Allegations of lack of action after the agreement
Rajkumar, head of the Safai Karamchari Sangh Haryana unit, accused the government of breaking its promise. He stated that an agreement was reached between the government and the employees on May 13th, and the government, recognizing their demands as legitimate, granted them 30 days. The employees had hoped that a concrete decision would be reached during this period, but they allege that the government has not taken any effective steps in this direction. Rajkumar stated that the government’s intentions and policies are unclear, and that the government is not serious about regularizing the employees. He stated that the strike and protest will continue until a written order is issued from the Chief Minister’s level regarding their demands.
Concerns about piles of garbage and the risk of disease
The sanitation workers have claimed that the sanitation system in Karnal city has been severely affected due to the nearly month-long strike. People are facing problems due to the accumulation of garbage in main markets, roads, and many other areas. The workers say that the situation has worsened after the rains, with the accumulated garbage and polythene entering the drains and sewers. They claim that this has increased the risk of waterlogging as well as the spread of infections and diseases. The workers have demanded that the government find a quick solution and restore the city’s sanitation system to normal.
The agitation continues despite government warnings.
Meanwhile, despite the government’s warning to the striking employees to return to work by September 5th, the employees have refused to back down. Sandeep Tyagi, district head of the fire department, stated that the employees are not intimidated by threats of suspension or departmental action. He stated bluntly that the government has a way to accept the employees’ demands. If a positive decision is not taken on the demands, the agitation will continue for a longer period. He added that the government is also responsible for resolving the disruption caused by the strike.
Announcement to continue the movement till written orders
The agitation of sanitation and firefighters in Karnal appears to be reaching a decisive turning point. On one hand, the government has adopted a tough stance, while on the other, the employees are unwilling to back down. By shaving their heads, the employees have adopted a new method of protest to pressure the government. The employees have clearly declared that the strike and protest will continue until a written order is issued from the Chief Minister’s level regarding their demands. Now it remains to be seen how the government and employee organizations resolve this 30-day impasse. (Report: Amit Bhatnagar)
