Housing societies upped staff wages by 50% during Covid curbs

PUNE: Workers relying on a daily wage were the hardest hit during the lockdowns. While residents of some housing societies did continue to pay staff, many others cut off salaries shortly after restrictions were enforced.
But the Prism housing society in Aundh went a step further to ensure staff were protected during the curbs. They increased salaries of housekeeping and security staff by 50% and provided the guards accommodation within premises.
Raghvendra Singh (23) and Sunil Kushwaha (20), two of the complex’s six guards, have been staying at the society since the very first lockdown in March. “We lived in the nearby slum, where the risk of Covid-19 infection was high,” said Singh.
“We are provided three meals a day and we plan to continue staying here until we’re allowed. It’s safer here than inside the slum.”
Everyone entering Prism goes through temperature checks and is asked to rub hands with a sanitiser. Pulse oximeters have also been deployed to assess health.
Cleanliness is also of the highest priority. All table counters and common surfaces throughout the premises are wiped clean every day.
Shaheen Kazi, one of the housekeeping staff at Prism said, “We were given an increased salary for the three months of the first lockdown. They have promised us an increase in salary now.” Sudhir Jain, chairman of the housing society, said, “We have also made provisions for the clubhouse to be turned into a quarantine centre if need arises.”
For essentials, residents organised vegetable and fruit sales inside the premises twice every week, with assigned time slots to maintain social distancing.
“There are 251 flats in five buildings. For the elderly residents, we deliver essential products to their doorstep,” said Ajit Petkar, the secretary of Prism.