Local body workers’ demand for ‘Deepavali inam’ irks residents

Health department workers visit houses not to talk about dengue prevention or any health issue, but with a different intention. They too collect money from the residents in the name of festive bonus. Residents wail that the workers forcible take money and are least bothered about health issues.

A woman resident, from Sikkendar Chavadi in Madurai, related that three women who came home asked her about open water source and prevalence of mosquitoes in the locality. 

When she said that the area was clean and there was no mosquito problem, the three women workers demanded Deepavali bonus. Shocked beyond words, the resident said that she had no money and asked them to come the next day. But the three women refused to leave without money. “I was left with no other choice but to part with the amount they had asked. This is daylight robbery,” said the resident. 

Pandi, an electrician at Sikkendar Chavadi, claimed that it is usual for women workers to visit only during festive seasons and to collect money in the name of festival bonus. Though they are provided bonus by the government they are not satisfied and exhort money from the residents. 

He also claimed that the health department workers were resorting unfair practices. Such an action is unpardonable especially when there is the lurking danger of spread of dengue during this season. He wanted severe action to be taken against such workers by concerned higher officials. 

When Health Inspector, Saravana Kumar, who is incharge of Sikkendar Chavadi, was asked about the forcible collection of money by the Corporation workers, he claimed that he was new to office and was unaware of the issue. He also noted down the details of the workers and assured that proper action would be taken against them as soon as possible.