Mysuru: Going by the condition and fate of the Pourakarmikas who are working on contract basis at Cheluvamba Hospital, there is a doubt as to whether the labour department in Mysuru is doing its job sincerely. For the past five to six months nearly 80 pourakarmikas who are working in Cheluvamba Hospital for more than 10 hours a day have not received their salary. Most of the contract Pourakarmikas who are working here for the past ten years and some even more than 20 years are paid meager salary Rs 4500 which is a clear cut violation of the Labour Act

On Friday morning, the pourakarmikas who were upset with the inordinate delay in salary staged a flash protest for couple of hours. Pourakarmikas who are working since more than a decade said, “Though we have brought the issue to notice of the authorities concerned including the contractor, no action has been taken in this regard. The contractor blames the authorities and vice versa. Though we are working since more than ten years, we have not been given any facilities including PF or ESI. If we ask the contractor to provide the same, they just threaten us that we will be terminated if we question.” Due to the delay in salary, to run the household, most of the pourakarmikas have pledged their gold ornaments. They are also forced to work overtime for the same salary.”

When this was brought to the notice of Deputy Commissioner D Randeep, he said “Not only salary but also they should be provided PF and ESI facilities. To know the ground reality and their issues I will send Assistant Labour Commissioner Meena Patil and see that their issues are sorted out at the earliest.” Dr Radhamani, Superintendent, Cheluvambha Hospital assured to speak to the contractor and solve their problems.

Meanwhile, the clean surroundings turned messy in no time and expectant mothers admitted to the hospital, pregnant women visiting for consultation were seen having a torrid time in the prevailing conditions.