Sanitation workers in Bongaigaon staged a dramatic half-naked protest outside the municipality office on Tuesday, seeking urgent attention to their demands for fair wages and housing. Organized by the Safai Karamcharis Association, the demonstration coincided with the ongoing state assembly session, highlighting their severe dissatisfaction with current working conditions.
The sanitation workers, who receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 3,000, argue that this amount is insufficient to cover their basic living expenses. Despite ongoing negotiations with the government, including discussions held in Badamba, no substantial agreement has been reached.
Bhim Basfor, central president of the Safai Karamcharis Association, expressed the workers’ frustration, criticizing the disparity between municipal cleanliness accolades and the neglect faced by those who maintain it. Basfor condemned both the government and local officials for their lack of responsiveness to the workers’ plight.
This protest is part of a broader campaign advocating for fair compensation and improved housing conditions for sanitation workers. The demonstrators have pledged to persist in their efforts until their demands are addressed. As of now, there has been no official response from the government regarding their concerns.