It is only when the filth of the city chokes its streets that the work of a civic worker is recognised, said speakers who paid a tribute to the “selfless and tiring” work of a large number of corporation workers during the ‘Civic Workers’ Day’ celebrations that were held here on Tuesday.
Though the day is being celebrated by various unions and organisations for the past 10 years or more, this is the first time the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) is celebrating it.
Due praise“If Mangalore city has received any recognition in the national-level for its cleanliness, it is because of the officers and civic workers. There should not be any feelings of inferiority in the work sweepers and cleaners do,” said Mayor Mahabala Marla, who inaugurated the proceedings.
More to be doneThough he claimed there was no “injustice” meted out to the civic workers by the Corporation or the government, he said more needed to be done to ensure that the children of the workers get better access to quality education.
“We have sent a proposal to the State government to increase the income limit for eligible beneficiaries of the 22.75 per cent scheme (allotment of budget for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe persons) to Rs. 3 lakh.
“Currently, a lot of civic workers cannot come under the purview of these schemes. We expect approval soon, and this would mean many more children will be eligible for scholarships and other benefits,” said Mr. Marla.
The programme at Town Hall saw seminars on health issues – including tobacco abuse and women’s health issues – and on legal rights accorded to the civic workers.
