MC Handwara sweepers hold protest, demand regularisation

Handwara, Jun 1: Sweepers engaged with the Municipal Committee (MC) Handwara Monday held a peaceful protest, demanding regularisation of their services and salary hike. The protesters said that they have been serving in the department for years but continue to work on meagre wages without the benefits available to regular employees.

We have been working tirelessly for the last several decades to keep the town clean but our services are not being regularised. We deserve justice and job security,” said a protester Bashir Ahmad.

The monthly salary of Rs 9,300 is in no means sufficient to support our family in the present economic situation. Prices of essential commodities have increased manifold and the condition has become extremely difficult for us to meet household expenses,” said another protester Farooq Ahmad. They said that the sanitation workers perform essential public service under challenging conditions and should be treated with dignity and fairness.