Sanitation workers in Raisingh Nagar have now been striking for 7 consecutive days, demanding recruitment priority for the Valmiki community. Their protest staged during both morning and evening shifts, has led to severe cleanliness issues and increasing garbage piles in the area.
Parallel Movement Led by Indra Devi: SANITATION WORKERS
Indra Devi, President of the All India Safai Mazdoor Sangh’s Rajgarh branch, has spearheaded a parallel movement. She submitted a memorandum to Sub-Divisional Officer Seema Khetan, highlighting the need for recruitment priority for Valmiki candidates in the sanitation department.
Broader Struggle for Fair Employment
The strike, involving over 6,000 workers, reflects a broader struggle for fair employment opportunities for the Valmiki community. Furthermore, Valmiki sanitation workers also organized a rally in Jaipur’s walled area, urging additional workers to join their cause.
Disruption of Sanitation Services
The ongoing strike has severely disrupted the city’s sanitation system. Sweepers have neglected hundreds of colonies for the past three days, leading to a significant accumulation of household waste on the streets. Additionally, rain has exacerbated the problem, washing garbage into drains and colonies and causing the municipal waste management system to break down. The municipal administration faces additional challenges during the rainy season, as wet waste becomes more difficult to manage. Although some areas receive help from JCB machines, the strike has intensified these difficulties, and the municipal corporation struggles to fill the gaps.
Uneven Waste Management : SANITATION WORKERS
The Greater Municipal Corporation has focused its efforts on upscale areas and wards where chairpersons reside, maintaining regular waste collection services. Meanwhile, other wards have seen a drastic decline in cleanliness, with approximately 2,400 tons of waste piling up.
Previous Strikes and Government Inaction: SANITATION WORKERS
Valmiki sanitation workers have previously staged three strikes demanding their rights since the recruitment announcement. Despite the government’s promise of recruitment last year, the process has stalled due to regulatory changes and legal challenges. A proposed lottery system for recruitment has met with objections from the Valmiki community, which argues that recruitment should follow muster roll records as per earlier agreements.
Demands for Fair Recruitment
Deepak Dandoriya, a Valmiki community leader, criticized the lottery system and demanded recruitment based on past service and ongoing court cases. He warned that unless the government addresses their demands, the strike will continue across Jaipur and Rajasthan.
Call for Resolution
The ongoing strike and worsening sanitation conditions highlight the urgent need for a resolution to restore cleanliness and address the Valmiki community’s demands.
