Sanitation Workers in Dhar Seek Relief Over Months of Unpaid Wages
Sanitation workers serving in the Mandav Nagar Parishad and Dharampuri Nagar Palika have formally appealed to the Dhar district administration, citing a severe financial crisis caused by months of withheld salaries. Led by Valmiki Sena National President Engineer Santosh Kalyane, a delegation submitted a memorandum to the District Collector during the weekly public hearing on Tuesday, demanding the immediate disbursement of pending dues.
Financial Hardship for Essential Workers
According to the data provided by the Valmiki Sena, the delay in compensation has reached a critical stage for the ground-level staff. The organization highlighted the following grievances:
- Mandav Nagar Parishad: Employees have reportedly gone without pay for approximately 6 months.
- Dharampuri Nagar Palika: Employees have been working without salary for nearly 10 months.
The memorandum emphasizes that these workers are struggling to manage basic household necessities, including children’s education, medical expenses, utility bills, and food supplies. Despite these extreme financial constraints, the staff has continued to discharge their duties, maintaining the cleanliness of the respective urban bodies.
Administrative Response and Future Outlook
During the meeting, the District Collector acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the delegation that an inquiry into the payment delays would be conducted. The administration has committed to taking the necessary steps to facilitate the release of the withheld funds once the procedural requirements are met.
However, the Valmiki Sena remains cautious. Engineer Santosh Kalyane has issued a stern warning, stating that if the administration fails to rectify the situation promptly, the organization will launch a widespread protest. The union is urging the district authorities to prioritize the economic well-being of the sanitation staff and ensure that their hard-earned wages are paid without further administrative delay.
