A health worker wearing a PPE kit speaks to pourakarmikas at Kalasipalya in Bengaluru (Photo | EPS, Shriram BN) 
Bengaluru

Karnataka budget ignored demands, say pourakarmikas

The announcement came following almost two years of protest by the Pourakarmika Sangha and various workers’ organisation.

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, in his maiden budget, announced a hardship allowance of Rs 2,000 per month for pourakarmikas which was welcomed by BBMP Pourakarmika Sangha. However, they have highlighted other issues yet to be addressed.

The announcement came following almost two years of protest by the Pourakarmika Sangha and various workers’ organisation. Nirmala M, the Sangha chief, said, “This is a result of the continuous struggle by the association. We have rendered our service during the pandemic, risking our lives, and contracted the virus.”

The association criticised the budget for failing to fulfill their other demands which include the introduction of pension, accident compensation, and compensation for families in the event of health crisis like Covid-19 deaths. They had also asked for a revision of their minimum wages.

Mayawati 'frees' nephew Akash Anand from BSP hours after his father-in-law Ashok Siddharth quits politics

Apple launches iPhone 18 lineup with first foldable phone at Rs 2,99,900

Red Fort chosen as blast target as accused saw it as symbol of India’s democracy, NIA says

Iran strikes ships, expands no-go zone outside Hormuz strait

Another tragedy, another safety crackdown: Will Delhi break the cycle?