A waste pickers' union has demanded that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) provide life insurance coverage for its workers and include them in the health scheme offered to civic staff. The union submitted a letter to the civic body on Friday, raising the demand after a waste picker died in an accident while on duty.
Union Raises Concerns Over Low Compensation
Yogesh Manjula of Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat, an organization working in solid waste management, stated, "The compensation offered to the deceased's family is very low. This highlights the need to secure the lives of waste pickers and their families. They should benefit from government health schemes and receive proper compensation."
Details of the Accident
According to the letter, a waste picker from Gosavi Vasti in Karvenagar had been collecting waste on a handcart in the Paud Road area for 15 years. His wife also performs the same work. On April 24, around 7:30 am, a speeding PMPML bus struck him and his handcart from behind while he was on duty in Kothrud. He sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to the hospital. A deposit of Rs 50,000 was required immediately for medical treatment, which his family borrowed. After battling for his life for 27 days, he passed away on the night of May 21. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, and two sons.
Demand for Contributory Health Scheme
The union has demanded a contributory health scheme (CHS) for waste pickers. The CHS is designed for civic employees and former corporators, where the PMC covers the majority of hospitalization and medical expenses directly at empanelled hospitals, with minor co-pays for employees.
PMC Official's Response
A senior official from PMC's solid waste management department said, "Changes to the civic scheme will require a policy decision. All necessary permissions from bodies such as the standing committee and the general body will be needed. A proposal regarding the waste pickers' demands will be considered."
