Garbage
from citizens’ homes is not being collected regularly, mostly because
pourakarmikas are not getting their wage dues from garbage contractors.

But
relief may just be around the corner for civic workers and, in turn,
for Bangaloreans. The BBMP is planning to pay their salaries by
crediting it directly to their bank accounts rather than route it
through the contractors.

Currently, there are over 20 new
garbage contractors working in 103 wards across the city. BBMP sources
told Express that some contractors were misusing salaries paid by the
BBMP for pourakarmikas.

“The number of pourakarmikas mentioned in
the contract agreement differs from the actual number working on the
field. The BBMP continues to release funds as per the agreement and on
time every month. All pourakarmikas, however, do not get full salaries
and whatever is paid, is also not given on time,” the source said,
adding that the aggrieved civic workers often threatened to stop work
and blamed the BBMP.

In a September 20 order, BBMP Commissioner M
Lakshminarayana directed zonal commissioners and chief engineers to
ensure that contractors in their jurisdiction open a non-operative bank
account by September 26. Lakshminarayana told Express: “Contractors
should open salary accounts for all pourakarmikas working under them at a
bank of their choice. We will release 60 per cent of the funds to a
non-operative account before the fifth of every month. From this
account, salary will be credited to their bank accounts directly. As
this is a non-operative account, the contractors cannot withdraw money
and thus, we can avoid misuse.”

The remaining 40 per cent, which
includes fuel bills of garbage trucks and other expenses, will be
released only after the contractor produces bills.

However, as
with many other well-intentioned government initiatives, compliance
remains a problem. A chief engineer, on condition of anonymity, said
contractors were making excuses to delay the process.