TN Govt Considers Food Allowance and Rs 832 Daily Wage for Sanitary Workers

A dossier regarding sanitary workers' demand for direct food allowances instead of free daily meals has been submitted to the state government for approval, Minister A Rajmohan informed the Assembly on Monday. The government is also considering demands for a daily wage of Rs 832, job regularisation, weekly offs, and maternity leave.

Currently, the government spends Rs 57.75 on lunch, Rs 42 on dinner, and Rs 47.25 on breakfast for each worker. Minister Rajmohan noted that workers have requested the flexibility to spend this allocation according to their personal needs rather than receiving packed food, explaining that some workers prefer lighter meals and saving the remaining allowance to meet household expenses.

Addressing working conditions, the minister stated that 93 restrooms with changing facilities are currently operational for sanitary workers in Chennai, with the count set to increase to 107 by September 15. The government has also instructed the police not to use force against protesting workers.

Additional welfare measures announced include scrapping the app-based attendance system in favor of recording attendance upon physical arrival. In Zones 4, 7, and 8, the government will distribute 10.69 lakh masks at a rate of one mask per day, along with 1,18,899 pairs of gloves provided at one pair every 15 days.

Welfare benefits and medical insurance are being extended to 3,256 Self-Help Group (SHG) workers, with special camps planned for those not yet covered. Furthermore, the government has recommended compensation through TAHDCO for the families of deceased SHG workers Gyanakumar, Mala, Partiban, and Arun Raj, while also considering employment opportunities for their children.

The policy review comes as the sanitary workers' protest entered its 12th day on Monday, with over 500 workers participating. K Bharathi, president of the organising union Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam, welcomed the Assembly discussion but noted that workers are seeking a clear implementation timeline from the Chief Minister, particularly regarding the regularisation of staff with more than five years of service.