Workers at PMC social dvpt dept rue lack of leaves given to them

It was conveyed to them that after finishing the door-to-door survey of 1,500 families, they would be liable for a break — but this is not being granted. Meanwhile, they claimed that regular PMC employees engaged in similar tasks are getting all the benefits. Further, they said that if any sick leave is taken, their salary is deducted. And, as a final straw, they alleged that they are forced to accompany COVID-19 suspects to quarantine and isolation facilities, putting them at risk.

The complainants had been hired to train and counsel women in self-help groups, and to execute various PMC welfare schemes for them. Since the pandemic began, they have been asked to participate in surveys and ensure that suspected patients are quarantined as per the mandate.

Agroup organiser shared, “At a meeting with the health department, it was decided we would only conduct surveys by visiting localities. But the workload keeps rising. We have also been asked to help patients get quarantined by accompanying them. We are not associated with the medical field — yet this task has come to us.” Acounsellor said, “Despite surveying over 2,500 households, no leave is being given. We raised this issue with various officials, but in vain. On the contrary, regular PMC employees engaged in similar work are enjoying all these benefits.”

Deepali Pradeep Dhumal, opposition leader in PMC, said, “Such discrimination will hamper work. They should not be treated like bonded labourers. We will put this issue before the civic chief for immediate action.”

PMC social development department head, deputy commissioner Sunil Indalkar, refuted, “As per directions from the district collector, services from our other employees have been acquired for pandemic-related work. These allegations are baseless. We ensure their security by providing all necessary safety kits. We are employing them on a rotational system to distribute the workload.”