Sanitation workers excluded from Bengaluru waste management consultation, union objects

The BBMP Pourakarmikara Sangha objected to sanitation workers being left out of a citizen consultation on solid waste management scheduled in Bengaluru. The union wrote to Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, questioning how waste management issues could be discussed without workers who handle waste daily.

The association, led by president Nirmala M, demanded regularisation of contractual workers, better staffing ratios, protective equipment, health check-ups, and mandatory involvement of workers in waste management decisions. They cited a 1976 committee recommendation of one worker per 500 people, arguing the ratio should now be 1:250, but the government maintains 1:700.

Workers face delayed wages, lack of social-security benefits, and inadequate leave. The union sought a separate government meeting to address grievances including employment regularisation and improved working conditions.