SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, March 16: The dustbins of different wards in the hospital of Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College (SNMMCH) Dhanbad are stinking and overflowing with trash as sanitation workers of the private agency have gone on an indefinite strike since morning demanding bonus payment as per the agreement.
Over 150 sanitation workers working under a private agency named ‘Commando Securities’ alleged that the employer had assured to pay a bonus before Holi but failed to disburse on the fixed date (Tuesday). So, they are left with no option but to go on an indefinite strike.
Following the strike, dustbins in all wards of the hospital were seen overflowing with medical rejects and refuse. The bad smell of garbage has made the condition hellish for indoor patients. Over 560 patients are admitted to different wards of the hospital.
SNMMCH authorities said that the hospital management has nothing to do with the strike as workers belong to a private agency. “The local manager of the agency has been told to ensure proper maintenance of sanitation in the hospital,” said the official.
Notably, Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sandip Singh had on Tuesday (March 15) shot off a letter to SNMMCH superintendent Dr AK Barnwal to ensure the proper presence of doctors, Paramedical staff and workers for 7×24 from March 17 to 19 in the wake of Holi festival so that patients could be provided treatment in an emergency.
But the strike of sanitation workers on the eve of Holi has created a new problem for the patients as the hospital depends on their services.
“As per the agreement, the agency has to pay one month’s salary as a bonus on the occasion of Durga Puja and Holi. But the agency did not pay in Durga Puja. It had assured to pay the bonus yesterday but backed track. Now, banks too will close from tomorrow so we will be on strike till the bonus is paid,” said Hazarilal, one of the sanitation workers.
Another worker Seema said that her children had been eyeing to celebrate Holi but the agency watered down on it.
The local manager of Commando Securities AK Singh said that since the state government has not cleared the bills, the bonus payment of workers is held up.
