Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Union Minister Criticizes DMK Govt Over Sanitation Workers' Protest
Sanitation workers in Chennai have been protesting for a long time, over three months, because they are worried about losing their jobs.
They don't want the city to hire private companies to handle trash because they fear they will be let go.
They want their jobs to be permanent and secure.
The central government minister, Mr. Murugan, has said that the state government's new idea to give them free meals is just for show and won't really help them.
He thinks the government is more interested in taking pictures and getting good press than actually solving the workers' problems.
The city government says that hiring private companies will make things work better.
But the workers say they won't stop protesting until the government talks to them seriously and fixes their long-standing issues.
Union Minister L. Murugan accused the DMK government of 'tokenism' regarding sanitation workers' protests.
Sanitation workers have been protesting for over three months in Chennai, demanding job security and opposing privatisation.
Workers allege that outsourcing solid waste management in certain zones threatens their livelihoods.
Murugan criticised a new free meal program as a publicity stunt, questioning its long-term commitment.
The Greater Chennai Corporation claims outsourcing will increase efficiency, while unions argue it risks job losses.
- Who
- Union Minister L. Murugan, sanitation workers from various unions, DMK government, Greater Chennai Corporation
- What
- Union Minister L. Murugan criticized the DMK government for perceived 'tokenism' in addressing the ongoing protest by sanitation workers demanding job security and opposing privatisation.
- When
- Ongoing protest for over three months, criticism voiced recently (post Nov 15 initiative)
- Where
- Chennai, specifically mentioning Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zones of Greater Chennai Corporation
- Why
- Sanitation workers are protesting against privatization which they believe threatens their jobs. The Union Minister criticizes the government's welfare measures as publicity stunts rather than genuine solutions.
Sanitation Workers Unions
DMK Government
Job Security and Privatisation
Sanitation Workers Unions
Demand regularisation of services and oppose the outsourcing of waste management, fearing it threatens their livelihoods and undermines years of service.
DMK Government
Maintains that outsourcing will enhance efficiency.
Government Welfare Measures
Sanitation Workers Unions
Allege that recent initiatives like a free meal program are 'tokenism' and 'cosmetic gestures' designed for publicity rather than sustained support, and that welfare measures follow an 'advertising model' masking systemic neglect.
DMK Government
Launched a free meal program for sanitation workers, stating it is a welfare initiative.
- Protest Duration
- Over three months (entering fourth month)
- Demands
- Job security, regularisation of services, end to privatisation in solid waste management
- Affected Areas
- Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zones of Greater Chennai Corporation
- Government Initiative
- Free meal program for sanitation workers (launched Nov 15)
