Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan has launched a scathing attack on the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, accusing it of deceiving sanitation workers across the state. The minister made these strong allegations while addressing the ongoing struggles faced by conservancy workers demanding job security and better working conditions.
Workers' Protests Ignored by State Government
According to Murugan, sanitation workers employed on a contract basis in various Tamil Nadu municipalities have been staging continuous protests to demand permanent employment status. These workers have been fighting for their rights for approximately 100 days, yet the state government has failed to address their legitimate concerns.
The Union Minister highlighted the grim reality facing these essential workers, many of whom perform their duties without access to basic safety equipment or job security. Despite their crucial role in maintaining public health and cleanliness, these workers remain among the most vulnerable and neglected segments of the workforce.
Broken Promises and Political Hypocrisy
Murugan specifically called out the DMK government for what he termed as "political hypocrisy" in its treatment of sanitation workers. He reminded that during the previous AIADMK regime, the DMK had strongly supported similar protests by conservancy workers, but now that they are in power, they have turned their back on the same communities.
The minister pointed to unfulfilled election promises made by the DMK party regarding the regularization of contract workers and improvement of working conditions for sanitation staff. He emphasized that the current administration had ample opportunity to resolve these issues but has chosen instead to ignore the plight of those who keep Tamil Nadu's cities clean.
National vs State Responsibility Debate
In his address, Murugan also countered the state government's attempts to shift blame onto the central administration. He clarified that matters concerning municipal sanitation workers fall squarely under the jurisdiction of state governments, making the Tamil Nadu administration directly responsible for addressing their grievances.
The Union Minister's comments come at a time when sanitation workers across multiple municipalities have intensified their protests. Workers have been demanding not only permanent employment but also proper safety gear, fair wages, and social security benefits that would provide them with a dignified livelihood.
Murugan's strong condemnation of the DMK government's approach toward sanitation workers signals escalating political tensions over labor rights in Tamil Nadu. The situation continues to develop as workers persist in their demonstrations, hoping for a resolution that acknowledges their essential contribution to urban cleanliness and public health.
