Minister to Consider Demands of Terminated Swachh Bharat Mission Staff

A meeting took place between Minister Yogendra Prasad and representatives of the Non-Gazetted Employees Federation and Swachh Bharat Mission Employees Union. The discussion focused on the issues faced by Block Coordinators and Social Motivators who were employed under the Swachh Bharat Mission. The workers, who had been working since 2006, were removed from their positions on July 24th. The employees’ union stated that this removal was against the rules. They had filed a case in the Jharkhand High Court, and the court had ordered a stay on the removal. However, the department did not reinstate the employees. The union demanded the cancellation of all appointments to these positions. The Minister stated that it was wrong to remove these employees who had worked for 10-15 years. The Minister mentioned that the Personnel Department had stated that the government will consider regularizing irregular employees who have 10 years of experience. The Minister assured that the union’s demands would be addressed quickly. The union also requested a monthly honorarium of Rs 40,000, permanent employment, leave approvals, and state employee benefits.