Pourakarmika services to be regularised from May 1

Bengaluru: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah Monday announced that the services of thousands of pourakarmikas (civic workers) across the state will be regularised starting May 1, acknowledging their critical role in maintaining urban sanitation and hygiene.

Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of Pourakarmikas Maha Sangha, Siddaramaiah said: "You are doing tireless service. Very few come forward to do the work pourakarmikas do. It is, therefore, the govt's responsibility and duty to resolve your problems and fulfil your demands."

According to officials, Karnataka has 42,000 civic workers. Of these, 11,133 were regularised in 2023. The remaining 30,867 are due for regularisation. However, it remains to be seen how many will be effectively brought under the regular workforce.

Calling for equal dignity for all professions, the CM said: "There is no difference between the chief secretary of the govt and a pourakarmika. All services are sacred. It is wrong to treat you with disrespect. You, too, deserve professional dignity and respect. To ensure that, your services will be regularised."

For Bengaluru, deputy CM DK Shivakumar said BBMP has allocated Rs 730 crore for pourakarmikas' salaries and pensions in Bengaluru. A sum of Rs 10 lakh has been earmarked for families of the deceased, with a new Rs 6,000 monthly pension scheme. An additional Rs 64 crore covers welfare measures including uniforms, safety gear, healthcare, housing, education, skill development, and support for taxi and auto drivers.

Recalling past efforts, he said the Congress govt sent 1,000 pourakarmikas abroad, recruited 10,000 in 2017, and built 7.5 lakh houses for them.

Siddaramaiah announced international exposure trips for civic workers. "Every year, 1,000 pourakarmikas would be sent on international trips. The pourakarmika community too must develop global awareness," he said.

The announcement covered another group of essential workers — contract-based vehicle drivers. "Alongside pourakarmikas, vehicle drivers working under contract will have their services regularised," the CM added.

"The government will also address the issue of identity and recognition faced by the workers," Siddaramaiah said, adding cashless health cards would be issued to them.