Sanitation workers in east Delhi get a green moniker

Sanitation workers of East Delhi Municipal Corporation will now be known by a different name -- 'Paryavaran Sahayaks'.
"I am myself attached to the soil. And, these 'safai karmacharis' turn hell into heaven by cleaning the dirtiest places, but still their professional designation did not reflect the honour they deserve. So, we decided to change it," EDMC Deputy Mayor Raj Kumar Dhillon today said.
The proposal made by him as a private member resolution in the EDMC House yesterday was approved unanimously by it.
"Besides, change of name, I had also proposed that 'avjidars' (substitute safai karmacharis) who had been working since 1996-98 be made permanent. And, that was also approved by the House," he said.

EDMC has about 15,000 of the total 60,000 sanitation workers employed with the three municipal corporations.
A senior EDMC official said, "The proposal has been sent to the municipal commissioner and the decision will come to effect as soon as he issues the order."
Asked if it would entail, change in unform too, Dhillon said, no such proposal has been made yet.
He claimed the decision has been very well received by the workers. Sanitation workers union leaders and members have thanked him for this decision.