Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has approved all three major demands raised by sanitation workers in an effort to resolve the ongoing strike that has disrupted waste collection across the city since July 30.
The decisions were taken during a special meeting of the Empowered Standing Committee chaired by Mayor Sita Sahu on Wednesday. The approved proposals will now be forwarded to the Urban Development and Housing Department of the Bihar government for final approval and further action.
Following the meeting, Mayor Sita Sahu and Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena appealed to the striking sanitation workers to return to duty, citing growing concerns over public sanitation.
City Sanitation Under Pressure
The committee reviewed the impact of the strike on the city’s sanitation system, with garbage accumulating at several locations across Patna. Members discussed the demands submitted by the Patna Municipal Corporation Joint Employees’ Coordination Committee before reaching a consensus.
Officials said restoring sanitation services remains a priority to prevent further deterioration in public hygiene.
Proposal on Pay Scale and Job Security
On the first demand, the committee resolved to recommend that the state government adjust daily-wage and contractual sanitation workers into an appropriate pay scale while ensuring greater job security.
The committee also decided to seek guidance from the government on whether the Municipal Corporation could be authorised to initiate the process of regularising eligible employees at its own level.
Direct Salary Payments and Relief for Drivers
Addressing the second demand, the committee approved a proposal to ensure that salaries of outsourced and contractual workers are deposited directly into employees’ bank accounts instead of being routed through intermediaries.
The outsourcing agencies will continue to receive their prescribed commission separately. The committee also decided to abolish, with immediate effect, the practice of deducting drivers’ wages when municipal vehicles break down during duty hours.
ACP and MACP Benefits
On the third demand, the committee agreed to write to the state government seeking the removal of the departmental stay on benefits under the Assured Career Progression (ACP) and Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) schemes.
The committee also reached a consensus to extend these benefits to eligible employees once the stay is lifted.
Commissioner Appeals for Early Return to Work
Municipal Commissioner Yashpal Meena said the special meeting was convened after positive discussions between the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department and representatives of the employees’ union.
He said the Municipal Corporation has consistently prioritised the welfare of its employees and stressed that sanitation workers should resume work at the earliest to prevent further accumulation of waste and reduce the risk of public health concerns.
Deputy Mayor Reshmi Kumari, members of the Empowered Standing Committee, the Additional Municipal Commissioner and other senior officials attended the meeting.
The Municipal Corporation expressed hope that the strike would end after the Bihar government takes a decision on the approved proposals, allowing sanitation services across the state capital to return to normal.
