Pourakarmikas protest against harassment, irregularities in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Around 400 pourakarmikas gathered at BBMP’s head office on Wednesday afternoon to protest against the harassment by contractors. The Karnataka government took a cabinet decision in June mandating abolition of contractors and direct payment of wages to workers. Despite this decision, the BBMP has been dragging its feet to implement the same and absorb the contract pourakarmikas.

On October 12, when some workers asked for the payment, the contractor, Nagesh, allegedly said: “It’s in my pants, come and take it.” A complaint was filed with the BBMP’s Sexual Harassment Committee, but no action was taken. On October 19, when Nagesh got to know about the complaint, he allegedly assaulted two of them with iron rods which left them injured. He also confiscated the passbooks and debit cards of the workers, while paying the workers only half of their salary, and pocketing the rest, the women said.

The K R Puram police registered two FIRs against the contractor. However, the contractor has not been arrested, and is absconding.

Vinay K Sreenivasa, member, BBMP Guttige Pourakarmika Sangha said, “This is not an isolated incident. Most contractors who have been issued work orders are associates of BBMP officials and elected representatives, and have suspected criminal backgrounds. Yet, the BBMP continues to retain them.” Mayor Sampath Raj spoke to the protesters and assured them that the contractor will be suspended. He also said he will ensure payment of wages and clear all pending dues.

Past incidents
In April, 2017, the contractor, Nagesh, had assaulted two workers in Peenya for demanding their wages, causing serious injury to them. The police registered an FIR, but no chargesheet has been filed till date and no action was taken by the BBMP.

Demands of pourakarmikas
Remove the exploitative and abusive contract system. Ensure immediate payment of wages and regularise services.
Implement the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Conduct an enquiry into the complaints filed by pourakarmikas.
Immediate cancellation of Nagesh’s work order and his contract. Blacklist him from getting contracts of any work in the state.
Conduct a speedy investigation of the complaints. Arrest the accused and ensure their conviction.
An enquiry must be conducted into how the contractor was chosen and had the work order issued to him.
Revoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) imposed against pourakarmikas.