Bengaluru Sanitation Workers' Families Face Compensation Denial After Regularisation
In a distressing development, the families of more than 100 deceased sanitation workers in Bengaluru are being denied compensation and compassionate jobs following the regularisation of their services under the erstwhile Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), now known as the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). This exclusion stems from the fact that their employment was regularised under supernumerary posts starting May 2025.
Loss of Benefits Post-Regularisation
Muniraju, the state chief general secretary of the Karnataka State Municipal Pourakarmikas' Union, highlighted the stark contrast in treatment. "Under the previous direct payment system before regularisation, families of deceased pourakarmikas (sanitation workers) would receive compensation of Rs 10 lakh. Now, there is neither compensation nor a compassionate job offer. The only support provided is a mere Rs 15,000 for last rites," he stated.
He further explained that while the Karnataka Civil Services Rules typically allow for jobs to be given to children or kin of deceased government staff, none of the families of workers regularised since May 2025 have received such employment after the worker's death.
Policy Decision on Supernumerary Posts
GBA deputy commissioner (administration) Ravindra Karalingannavar addressed the issue, noting that compassionate posting in cases involving supernumerary posts is a policy matter that requires government-level decisions. This indicates that the current lack of benefits is tied to broader administrative frameworks rather than immediate local oversight.
Demands for Faster Regularisation Process
Beyond compensation concerns, pourakarmikas are pushing for the remaining workers to be regularised directly by the GBA head office instead of the five corporations, citing sluggish progress. Union leaders report that over 90% of those selected for regularisation have already received recruitment certificates, with approximately 10% still pending.
The union has accused the corporations of delaying file processing and has formally requested that the GBA reclaim these files to expedite handling at the head office. This move aims to streamline the regularisation process and ensure timely benefits for all workers.
This situation underscores ongoing challenges in labour rights and administrative efficiency within Bengaluru's municipal services, affecting vulnerable families reliant on these positions for livelihood security.
