Sanitation workers in Madhya Pradesh strike ahead of Diwali
Garbage collection has halted in several cities as nearly 2.5 lakh workers demand permanent employment and higher monthly salaries.
Sanitation workers across Madhya Pradesh have begun an indefinite strike, causing garbage to pile up in residential areas, markets and public spaces, according to The Times of India.
Magan Jhanjhot, president of the Madhya Pradesh Akhil Bharatiya Safai Mazdoor Congress and Swatantra Kamgaar Sangh, claimed that nearly 2.5 lakh sanitation workers are participating in the strike.
The agitation includes workers from 14 of the state's 16 municipal corporations, though Indore and Ujjain are exceptions. Jhanjhot also claimed nearly 14,000 daily-wage municipal employees have joined the protest.
In Bhopal, garbage collection has been disrupted for two consecutive days. The capital generates approximately 850 tonnes of garbage daily, while about 800 collection vehicles have reportedly remained parked.
The workers are demanding an end to contractual hiring, permanent employment and a minimum monthly salary of Rs 25,000. A second meeting with officials from the Urban Administration and Development Department failed to reach a breakthrough on Thursday morning.
Bhopal Municipal Corporation official Ramprakash Ahirwar said discussions are ongoing and expressed hope that the disruption would be resolved soon. The unions are now seeking intervention from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.