Addressed to:
Dr H.C. Mahadevappa, Ministry of Social Welfare Department
Dr H N Gopalakrishna, Commissioner of Labour
Tushar Girinath, BBMP Commissioner
Mr Rahim Khan, Directorate of Municipal Administration
“Pourakarmikas work in this extreme heat and without any precautions whatsoever, and it is necessary that immediate action be taken to protect their health.”
As in many parts of India, it is projected that the state of Karnataka will continue to experience more days of heatwave as summer peaks. Even as the state authorities have advised most of us to stay indoors, the pourakarmikas, who ensure door-to-door collection of solid waste and sweep the streets, roads and public areas to prevent litter accumulation in the city, will be compelled to be on duty.
In view of the heat wave, the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority has issued an advisory advising the public to stay indoors during peak temperatures between noon and 3 PM [1]. But the pourakarmikas’ working hours remain constant, 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM, when the sun is at its hottest.
“With roads reflecting heat and hot wind, it is becoming increasingly impossible to work this summer,” said Ms Lakshmi, a worker who ensures streets in Bengaluru remain clean. [2] The heatwave doesn’t affect everyone equally. For instance, during summer, trees shed more leaves, adding to the workload of the pourakarmikas, which, when compounded by the soaring temperatures, affect the workers’ health.
Due to the absence of breaks and adequate hydration facilities, many pourakarmikas have repeatedly mentioned constant headaches and dizziness even after work hours during summer months.
To minimise the effects of the heatwave on the pourakarmikas, the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) has submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka state government demanding concrete steps.
We echo AICCTU’s appeal to the state government and demand:
Altering of working hours and days: Half-day work hours be instituted (work until 11 AM) and a weekly off without any financial deductions with immediate effect
Access to rest and hydration: Pourakarmikas should be provided with drinking water, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), and buttermilk with additional breaks to avoid heat strokes. Resting areas should be provided under umbrella shades.
Appropriate uniforms: Change the fabric of uniforms as the current synthetic-based materials are not suitable for the heat. The pourakarmikas should also be provided with gear such as eye shades and hats.
P.S. Your generous support allows us to continue advocating for and amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities. If you are able to, please consider making a donation to Jhatkaa.org to support our ongoing efforts. Even a small contribution can make a big difference!
Sources:
Addressed to:
Dr H.C. Mahadevappa, Ministry of Social Welfare Department
Dr H N Gopalakrishna, Commissioner of Labour
Tushar Girinath, BBMP Commissioner
Mr Rahim Khan, Directorate of Municipal Administration
“Pourakarmikas work in this extreme heat and without any precautions whatsoever, and it is necessary that immediate action be taken to protect their health.”
As in many parts of India, it is projected that the state of Karnataka will continue to experience more days of heatwave as summer peaks. Even as the state authorities have advised most of us to stay indoors, the pourakarmikas, who ensure door-to-door collection of solid waste and sweep the streets, roads and public areas to prevent litter accumulation in the city, will be compelled to be on duty.
In view of the heat wave, the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority has issued an advisory advising the public to stay indoors during peak temperatures between noon and 3 PM [1]. But the pourakarmikas’ working hours remain constant, 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM, when the sun is at its hottest.
“With roads reflecting heat and hot wind, it is becoming increasingly impossible to work this summer,” said Ms Lakshmi, a worker who ensures streets in Bengaluru remain clean. [2] The heatwave doesn’t affect everyone equally. For instance, during summer, trees shed more leaves, adding to the workload of the pourakarmikas, which, when compounded by the soaring temperatures, affect the workers’ health.
Due to the absence of breaks and adequate hydration facilities, many pourakarmikas have repeatedly mentioned constant headaches and dizziness even after work hours during summer months.
To minimise the effects of the heatwave on the pourakarmikas, the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) has submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka state government demanding concrete steps.
We echo AICCTU’s appeal to the state government and demand:
Altering of working hours and days: Half-day work hours be instituted (work until 11 AM) and a weekly off without any financial deductions with immediate effect
Access to rest and hydration: Pourakarmikas should be provided with drinking water, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), and buttermilk with additional breaks to avoid heat strokes. Resting areas should be provided under umbrella shades.
Appropriate uniforms: Change the fabric of uniforms as the current synthetic-based materials are not suitable for the heat. The pourakarmikas should also be provided with gear such as eye shades and hats.
P.S. Your generous support allows us to continue advocating for and amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities. If you are able to, please consider making a donation to Jhatkaa.org to support our ongoing efforts. Even a small contribution can make a big difference!
Sources: