Bengaluru, April 7 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared on Monday that pourakarmikas (civic workers) will receive permanent employment starting May 1, coinciding with Labour Day.

Speaking at the 25th annual event of the Pourakarmika Maha Sangha and an awareness program for the pourakarmika community held at the Palace Grounds in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah stated: "Like the vachanas of Basavanna that say 'work is worship', you are engaged in sacred labour. Few are willing to do the kind of work you do. Therefore, it is the government's duty to address your concerns and meet your demands."

"There is no difference between a Chief Secretary and a pourakarmika. All services are sacred. It is inappropriate to treat you with disrespect. You deserve professional dignity and social respect. Hence, your services will be made permanent," he continued.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that the jobs of drivers working with pourakarmikas on a contract basis would be regularized.

"The children of pourakarmikas must receive education and empowerment. Only through education can one attain self-respect. Educate all your children. Every child possesses talent; they merely need an opportunity. When given opportunities, their potential will flourish," he emphasized.

"You are working hard to keep cleanliness intact now. However, your children should not have to do the same. They should pursue other professions and thrive. You should integrate into mainstream society," he added.

He also assured that the government would provide pourakarmikas with cashless health cards and promised to resolve issues related to the identity and recognition of workers.

While praising former Bengaluru Mayor Narayan for his advocacy for pourakarmikas, the CM remarked: "Narayan, who ascended from this community to become the Mayor, has significantly contributed to the pourakarmika movement."

"The issues raised by Narayan have been addressed in various ways by our administration. Our government ended the contract system and ensured that salaries are directly paid by the municipality. We also facilitated the construction of 524 houses for pourakarmikas in Mysuru, providing Rs 6.5 lakh per house under the housing scheme. This was accomplished solely by our government."

"The salary for pourakarmikas has increased from Rs 7,000 to Rs 17,000 during my tenure," Siddaramaiah stated.

"Every year, 1,000 pourakarmikas are sent on foreign tours. The pourakarmika community must also develop global awareness," the CM urged.