Sanitation workers in Jaipur have called off their four-day hunger strike but escalated their protest by announcing a complete work boycott across the city starting Tuesday. The decision comes after their health deteriorated significantly during the indefinite fast that began on November 21.
Health Concerns Force Hunger Strike Suspension
The sanitation workers, who have been agitating under the banner of Sayukt Valmiki Evam Safayi Shramik Sangh, initially began a relay hunger strike on November 17. When municipal officials failed to address their concerns, they intensified their protest by launching an indefinite hunger strike from November 21.
By Monday, which marked the fourth consecutive day of fasting, several workers had reportedly fallen ill due to not consuming food or water. The deteriorating health condition of multiple protesters forced the union leadership to reconsider their strategy.
Complete Work Boycott Announced
Nandkishor Dandoriya, president of the workers' union, confirmed the suspension of the hunger strike but announced more drastic measures. "We have been on a hunger strike for four days. Many of us are unwell, but the officials are simply not listening," Dandoriya stated.
He declared that all sanitation workers will not work in Jaipur on Tuesday. The union plans to hold a meeting to discuss expanding the protest movement across the entire state of Rajasthan.
Unmet Demands and Broken Promises
The workers expressed frustration over what they describe as empty assurances from municipal authorities. Despite repeatedly presenting their 11-point charter of demands, they claim to have received nothing more than verbal promises from officials.
The sanitation workers' protest highlights ongoing tensions between municipal employees and the Jaipur Municipal Corporation administration. The complete work boycott threatens to disrupt sanitation services across Jaipur, potentially affecting public health and cleanliness in the Pink City.
The union's decision to escalate their protest from a hunger strike to a work boycott indicates their determination to secure concrete action from authorities regarding their long-pending demands.
