The indefinite strike by municipal corporation employees in Kapurthala entered another day on Tuesday, causing significant disruption to essential civic services. The employees, affiliated with various unions, are protesting against the non-fulfillment of their long-pending demands, including regularisation of services, payment of arrears, and implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations.
Impact on Public Services
The strike has severely affected waste collection, street cleaning, and maintenance of public parks and roads. Residents have reported overflowing garbage bins and uncollected waste in several localities, raising concerns about hygiene and potential health hazards. The municipal corporation's administrative work has also been hampered, with citizens facing difficulties in getting their applications processed.
Union Leaders' Statements
Union leaders have stated that the strike will continue until the administration addresses their demands. They have accused the municipal authorities of ignoring their grievances despite repeated assurances. 'We have been waiting for months, but there has been no concrete action. We are left with no option but to continue our protest,' said a senior union leader.
Administration's Response
The municipal corporation officials have appealed to the employees to call off the strike and assured them that their demands are being considered. However, the employees remain adamant. The district administration has been monitoring the situation and has deployed additional resources to manage waste disposal on an emergency basis, but the impact of the strike is still being felt across the city.
Residents have expressed frustration over the prolonged strike and urged both parties to resolve the issue at the earliest to restore normalcy. The strike has also affected the revenue collection of the municipal corporation, adding to the financial strain.
