GVMC to form committee to address workers’ grievances
Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ketan Garg has announced that a committee will be constituted to examine and resolve the issues raised by contract workers.
He held a meeting on Tuesday with representatives of the GVMC Contract Workers Union affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU).
Union honorary president P. Venkat Reddy submitted several demands, including employing one family member of retired employees and workers who died in harness in departments such as Water Supply, Veterinary, and Parks. He also called for wage revision for loaders, improved welfare facilities and basic amenities for sanitation workers, enhanced safety measures for women employees, clearance of pending allowances, settlement of PF dues of merged employees, and release of supplementary salaries.
Commissioner Ketan Garg said the GVMC is committed to ensuring the welfare of sanitation and contract workers and will address issues related to salaries and basic facilities without delay. He noted that sanitation workers play a vital role in maintaining the city’s cleanliness and overall image.
He further stated that, in the absence of an elected council, the corporation is currently functioning under Special Officer administration. He added that Government Orders and official memos submitted by the union will be taken into consideration for resolving the issues.
He directed officials to ensure that salary bills for outsourced workers are prepared between the 20th and 26th of every month to facilitate the timely payment of wages.
A committee comprising the Additional Commissioner, Chief Medical Officer, Examiner of Accounts, and Superintending Engineers of the Water Supply department will be constituted. The panel will review all grievances listed in the union’s memorandum, interact with workers, and recommend implementation in accordance with government norms.
GVMC Additional Commissioner P. Nallanayya, Chief Medical Officer Dr. E. N. V. Naresh Kumar, and other officials were present at the meeting.