Port Blair, Feb 10: The Nagar PalikaSwachhthaKarmachari Sangh (NSKS), an affiliated service association of Andaman Nicobar Rajya KarmachariMahasangh (ANRKM), BMS, organized a protest in front of the Port Blair Municipal Council on Wednesday to press their demands for early redressal. The demands, which have been raised since 2021, include t regularise the Casual labourers, grant of 1/30th to all Muster roll employees, creation of posts after expansion of Municipal area from 21 sq km. to 42 sqkm in 2015, Sanction of bonus to all working employees as per the eligibility determined by the Ministry of Finance, establishment of Sanitary sections with all basic amenities such as Drinking water, toilets etc., timely issuance of brooms, safety gears gum boot etc., sanction of one month’s salary as honorarium to all sanitary workers who were served tirelessly during the COVID pandemic.
The protest was attended by a large number of workers from all wards, including a majority of female employees. The dharna was addressed by several leaders of the association, including Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Joint Secretary, NSKS, and Mr. Santosh, Treasurer, NSKS, among others.
The dharna was observed in silence for two minutes to honor the memory of the late Mr. K. L. Manikandan, Vice President of ANRKM. The protest was successful and the workers raised slogans continuously throughout the event. The leaders of the association also addressed the gathering and expressed their support for the demands of the NSKS.
In conclusion, the dharna ended with a resolution that if no concrete action is seen from the Port Blair Municipal Council within 15 days, the workers will organize a more severe demonstration or a broom/tools down protest.
