Why Are Civic Staff and Officers from 10 Municipalities Protesting Against the Karnataka Government?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, more than 25,000 civic staffers across Karnataka have taken mass leave and protested against the government, demanding crucial changes to their working conditions and recognition. This unprecedented action highlights the ongoing plight of municipal employees in the state, as they seek to address long-standing grievances.
Key Takeaways
- Over 25,000 municipal staffers are protesting across Karnataka.
- Key demands include fair pay and job security.
- The protest highlights ongoing issues in public service employment.
- Support from various municipal unions is evident.
- Failure to address grievances has led to significant unrest.
Bengaluru, July 8 (NationPress) Over 25,000 civic staffers and officials from 10 prominent municipal agencies in Karnataka, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), have embarked on a mass leave and organized protests in Bengaluru and various district centers. This action aims to pressure the state government into addressing a series of long-standing demands.
The protest was initiated by the Karnataka State City Corporation Employees’ Associations and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Officers and Employees Welfare Association.
Unions representing employees from municipal corporations in Bengaluru (BBMP), Mysuru, Hubballi, Dharwad, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Davanagere, Ballari, Shivamogga, and Vijayapura have expressed their support for the protest.
In Bengaluru, workers gathered at Freedom Park after formally applying for leave. More than 25,000 municipal employees statewide joined the protest, with sanitation workers also showing their solidarity.
Their key demands encompass the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, revising the corporation service rules, which have remained unchanged for 15 years, and promotions for officers who have been stagnated in the same position for 10 to 15 years. Additionally, they are advocating for the inclusion of garbage collectors under the Jyothi Sanjeevini health insurance scheme.
Other significant demands include: recognition of municipal workers as government employees, abolishment of the LOGSAFE attendance system, filling of 6,000 vacant positions across various BBMP wards, alleviating work pressure on employees, and halting departmental inquiries against headmasters in the municipal education sector. They are also pushing for timely promotions for engineers and assistant engineers, health insurance coverage for all employees, finalization of the seniority list of municipal workers, reinstating the previous system in place of the current e-khata, granting trade licenses to health supervisors, and eliminating the legally unrecognized 'marshal' positions.
Employees from BBMP, Hubballi-Dharwad, Tumakuru, Mangaluru, Shivamogga, Davanagere, Mysuru, and Belagavi municipal corporations actively participated in the protest.
Previously, the protesting employees submitted several petitions to the Urban Development Minister and the department secretary to address their issues. After receiving no response, they decided to escalate their protest.
In a related note, former Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai claimed, "Employees from ten municipal corporations are on strike due to unpaid salaries. The government has failed to disburse wages owed to municipal and town staff."
He pointed out that it has been a year since an order was issued mandating municipalities to manage staff salaries from their own resources, indicating a dire financial situation. "The Chief Minister must urgently recognize these issues and release the necessary funds," he urged.
This strike coincides with truckers halting the distribution of rice for free under the Anna Bhagya Scheme. The truckers have been on an indefinite strike since Monday, demanding clearance of dues totaling Rs 250 crore.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize and report on the legitimate concerns of the civic staff and officers who are protesting. Their demands for fair treatment and recognition reflect broader issues in public service employment. It is essential for the government to engage with them constructively to ensure the effective functioning of municipal services.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the protesting municipal employees?
The main demands include the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, amendments to corporation service rules, timely promotions, and inclusion of garbage collectors under health insurance schemes.
How many municipal employees participated in the protest?
Over 25,000 municipal employees from 10 different corporations participated in the protest.
What prompted the mass leave and protest?
The mass leave and protest were prompted by the government’s failure to address long-standing grievances and unpaid salaries.
Which municipalities are involved in the protest?
The municipalities involved include BBMP, Mysuru, Hubballi, Dharwad, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Davanagere, Ballari, Shivamogga, and Vijayapura.
What was the response from the government regarding the protests?
So far, the government has not responded to the grievances raised by the protesting employees, leading them to escalate their actions.
