Sirsa MP, former Union Minister, Congress General Secretary and CWC member Kumari Selja has expressed serious concern over the ongoing strike by sanitation workers across Haryana, saying the government’s failure to address employees’ concerns through timely dialogue has pushed workers towards repeated protests, leaving both employees and the general public to bear the consequences.

Selja said the strike had severely affected sanitation services across all 87 urban local bodies in Haryana, with around 2,200 tonnes of garbage reportedly accumulating on roads. Despite alternative arrangements involving nearly 11,000 contractual and temporary workers, garbage heaps continue to be visible at several places, highlighting the crucial role played by regular sanitation workers.

“This is not merely an issue of cleanliness but also one of workers’ dignity, employment security and their future,” Selja said. She maintained that sanitation workers have been raising demands related to regularisation, job security and other service conditions for a long time. Instead of viewing their grievances through the lens of confrontation or administrative pressure, the government should adopt a sensitive and constructive approach.

The Congress leader also referred to the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, saying the BJP had made significant commitments regarding job security and regularisation of contractual workers. Employees expected that their long-pending concerns would receive a permanent solution after the government was formed, but thousands continue to remain uncertain about their future.

Selja demanded that the government make its position on the promises made during the elections clear before employees and the public and formulate a transparent, fair and practical policy for the regularisation of eligible workers.

She said sanitation workers form one of the most important pillars of the urban civic system. Those who work every day amid waste and unhygienic conditions to keep cities clean deserve dignity, security and a responsive administration. Repeated protests by such workers, she added, also raise questions about the government’s approach towards employee grievances.

Expressing concern over the public health implications of the strike, Selja said Haryana is currently experiencing the monsoon season. Prolonged accumulation of garbage in residential areas, markets and on roads, particularly alongside waterlogging, could increase the risk of infections, mosquitoes and other health problems.

“The government cannot afford to allow the situation to continue for long,” she said, urging urban local bodies to ensure immediate arrangements to prevent further inconvenience to residents.

Selja said the Congress favours resolving legitimate employee demands through dialogue, negotiation and a sensitive approach. While workers’ rights must be protected, public convenience and sanitation also need to be restored without delay.

She urged Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to immediately invite representatives of sanitation workers’ organisations for talks, examine their demands and announce a clear, time-bound action plan on issues that can be accepted. Selja said restoring a respectful dialogue with sanitation workers and bringing the state’s sanitation system back to normal should be treated as an immediate priority.

POD/DESK