Dehradun Municipal Strike Suspended Following Assault Allegations Against Councillor
The Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) has formally requested the state government to take action against a councillor accused of assaulting a sanitation worker. This move comes after a two-day strike by civic staff, which disrupted sanitation services across the city, was called off on Saturday following negotiations.
Strike Details and Resolution
The strike began on Thursday after a 44-year-old sanitation worker, identified as Maya, alleged that her area councillor physically assaulted her, threatened her with dismissal, and used casteist slurs. The incident reportedly left Maya with a fractured wrist. In response, sanitation workers filed a police complaint, demanded the councillor's removal, and warned of an indefinite strike. However, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered yet.
After a meeting with Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal and Municipal Commissioner Namami Bansal on Saturday, the workers agreed to suspend the strike. Sonu Khairwal, president of the workers' union, stated, "We were assured of strict action and the formulation of a behavioural manual to guide future disciplinary proceedings. The boycott was suspended ahead of upcoming festivals to avoid inconvenience to residents."
Ongoing Issues in Panditwari Ward
Despite the resolution, sanitation work in the Panditwari ward, where the alleged assault occurred, will remain suspended indefinitely until action is taken against the councillor. Union members emphasized that this partial strike will continue as a protest until their demands are met.
Municipal Commissioner's Response
In her communication to the state government, Commissioner Namami Bansal sought appropriate action in the matter and stressed the need to establish clear conduct rules for both employees and councillors to prevent similar incidents in the future. She commented, "The civic body is taking steps to maintain cleanliness in the city and to ensure such incidents do not recur."
Broader Implications
This incident highlights ongoing issues in municipal governance and worker rights in Dehradun. The DMC's call for a behavioural manual aims to set a precedent for disciplinary procedures, potentially improving workplace safety and accountability. The strike's suspension ahead of festivals reflects a balance between protest and public convenience, but the unresolved situation in Panditwari ward underscores the need for swift governmental intervention.
Sanitation services are set to resume across most of Dehradun from Sunday, with authorities focusing on restoring normalcy while addressing the workers' grievances. The outcome of the state government's response will be closely watched by civic groups and residents alike.
