Swachh Bharat Mission Block Coordinators, Removed from Jobs, Meet with Minister

Representatives from the Non-Gazetted Employees Federation and the Swachh Bharat Mission Employees Union met with Minister Yogendra Prasad at his office in Nepal House to discuss the pending demands of the Block Coordinators and Social Motivators working under the Swachh Bharat Mission. The workers, who have been employed since 2006, were removed from their jobs on July 24th, violating regulations, despite their long-term service. A writ petition was filed in the Jharkhand High Court regarding this issue, which subsequently stayed the removal order. However, the department has yet to reinstate these employees. Moreover, the department has initiated the process of outsourcing these positions, despite the court’s orders. The union requested the Minister to cancel all appointments made to these positions. The Minister acknowledged the situation, stating that removing employees who have served for 10-15 years instead of regularizing their employment is unjustifiable. He referred to a Department of Personnel letter that states that the government would consider regularizing the services of irregular employees with over 10 years of service. The Minister assured the delegation that their demands would be addressed promptly, and justice would be served. The union also demanded a monthly honorarium of Rs 40,000 for these employees, along with permanent adjustment, approval of all leaves, and the provision of all facilities enjoyed by state employees.