Mangaluru: Sanitation workers and women drivers employed under various Gram Panchayats in Dakshina Kannada district held a massive foot march on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, before staging a protest in front of the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat. Their demonstration sought to draw the attention of authorities to long-pending demands related to job security, fair wages, and essential labour benefits.
Organised under the banner of the Dakshina Kannada District Civic Workers and Class IV Employees’ Union, the protest began at the Press Club, from where hundreds of workers marched in solidarity to the Zilla Panchayat office. The workers later held a dharna, raising slogans and displaying placards that highlighted their grievances.
Demands for regularisation and fair wages
The primary demand placed before the district administration was the regularisation of sanitation workers and women drivers currently working under contractors appointed by the Sanjeevini Consortium. The protesters sought to be released from contract-based employment and recognised as direct Gram Panchayat civic workers. They stressed that their salaries should be paid by the Panchayats rather than by private contractors.
Many of the women labourers and vehicle drivers have reportedly been working for several years in various Panchayats but continue to face job insecurity due to the contractual nature of their employment. Workers argued that despite their essential role in maintaining rural sanitation systems, they are denied the dignity and stability that come with permanent employment.
In addition to regularisation, the union demanded mandatory annual health check-ups, issuance of health cards, ESI and PF benefits, and the provision of basic protective gear such as gloves and masks. Protesters said that despite handling waste daily, they have not been given adequate safety equipment, exposing them to infections and occupational hazards.
Allegations of exploitation
Union president Anil Kumar accused contractors under the Sanjeevini Consortium of exploiting sanitation workers, particularly those from Scheduled Communities. He claimed that the consortium pays workers as little as ₹300 per day, far below standard wage expectations, and does not provide minimum labour protections such as PF, ESI, or safety gear.
He urged authorities to intervene and free these workers from the control of the consortium. “Sanitation workers are integral to maintaining public health, yet they are deprived of the most basic rights. It is the responsibility of the Panchayats to ensure they receive fair wages and legal entitlements,” he said.
According to him, the current system places undue power in the hands of contractors, who allegedly use the vulnerability of workers to their advantage, further delaying the process of regularisation.
Leadership and participation
The protest saw active participation from labour leaders and representatives from various taluks. Prem Kumar Ballalvag, Panaje Gram Panchayat driver Pauline Monteiro, and prominent women leaders including Renuka from Beltangady, Akshata from Bantwal, Nayana from Sullia, Anitha from Moodbidri, Hema V. from Kadaba, and Chandravathi from Puttur played key roles in mobilising and addressing the workers.
Participants expressed hope that the district administration and Panchayat authorities would take immediate steps to address their concerns, noting that similar protests in the past had not resulted in sustained action.
Conclusion
The demonstration underscored the growing frustration among sanitation workers in the district, many of whom feel their contributions remain undervalued despite their indispensable role in public hygiene. The workers said they would continue their struggle until the administration takes concrete steps toward regularisation, fair compensation, and improved working conditions. The union also indicated that it is prepared to intensify its agitation if officials fail to act promptly.