CPI(M) Protests in Madurai: Demands Cancellation of Contract with Private Firm Over Solid Waste Management
On Thursday, hundreds of functionaries from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] staged a protest in Madurai, alleging various irregularities in the Madurai Corporation. They demanded the cancellation of a contract with 'Ourland', a private company tasked with solid waste management operations.
The protesters opposed the privatisation of essential services and called for a thorough inquiry into an alleged property tax scam within the Corporation, as well as corruption in the implementation of Smart City projects. They urged strict action against those found responsible.
Madurai Member of Parliament Su. Venkatesan participated in the protest. CPI(M) members argued that outsourcing work to private companies is detrimental to public welfare and workers' rights. They accused 'Ourland' of exploiting workers by paying low wages and dismissing employees without a fair hearing.
Madurai has been ranked as one of the dirtiest cities in India. The protesters insisted that the Corporation should directly handle sanitation work by appointing permanent staff based on eligibility, providing appropriate wages, and ensuring job security.
The demonstrators emphasised that essential services such as sanitation and drinking water supply should not be handed over to private entities. They demanded that the Corporation itself carry out these tasks using permanent employees.
MP Venkatesan stated that CPI(M) has consistently exposed irregularities and fraudulent practices by 'Ourland' in sanitation operations. He noted that sanitary workers affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) trade unions have been protesting against 'Ourland' for neglecting workers' concerns.
