Sanitation workers protest wage gaps, denial of benefits in Mandya

Mandya: Sanitation workers from gram panchayats across Mandya, KR Pet, Maddur, Malavalli and Srirangapatna taluks staged a protest outside Mandya zilla panchayat office on Monday, demanding immediate implementation of govt orders on minimum wages, housing and welfare benefits.Led by Sanitation Workers' Association state president DR Raju, the protesters raised slogans against the govt, accusing officials of denying workers their dues despite clear directives.The workers alleged that they continue to receive between Rs 12,000 and Rs 14,000 per month, far below the revised minimum wage of Rs 21,501, which came into effect in March 2025. They also said authorities have not paid provident fund benefits, provided housing, or extended the Rs 20 lakh insurance and gratuity benefits to families of deceased or retired workers.They said repeated representations to officials drew no response, leaving workers struggling to make ends meet.Association's district president Muttanahalli Mahesh, Basaralu Manju, Madanakuppe Bannari, Krishna, Bank Ranganna, CR Viji, Murugesh, Srinivas, R Babu and Dineshkumar took part. The protesters warned they would intensify the agitation if the demands remained unmet.