Thiruvananthapuram Corporation reinstates suspended workers
The Hindu
Civic body withdraws decision to terminate services of four temporary cleaning staff
The Thiruvananthapuram city Corporation has decided to reinstate seven sanitation workers who were suspended last week for dumping food served as Onasadya in a waste bin in protest against being made to work during their planned Onam celebrations. The civic body has also withdrawn the decision to terminate the services of four temporary cleaning staff.
The decision to suspend the sanitation workers had led to a huge uproar in the past few days, with the Corporation facing criticism for its alleged over-reaction against the workers.
In a press release on Tuesday, the Corporation said the administration is sympathetic to protests, but is against a form of protest which involves the dumping of food meant to eat. The workers were reinstated based on a promise from them and the unions that they would not resort to such modes of protest again.
Following the suspensions and dismissals, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) as well as the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) had condemned the action and demanded that the workers be reinstated.
According to the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation Workers' Association, affiliated to CITU, the workers had reported for work on September 5 at 5 a.m, instead of 7 a.m, as they had planned to celebrate Onam. They had finished the day's work by around 9 a.m and had cleared a space near the Chala health circle office for organising Onam celebrations. However, a junior health inspector arrived at the spot with a tipper lorry and took them for drain cleaning work at Attakkulangara, pouring cold water on their celebrations and leading to the protests.
Three days later, CPI(M) State secretary M.V.Govindan said it is not the party's stance to suspend or dismiss anyone for taking part in protests, indicating that the party would prevail over the Corporation administration to reverse the action taken against the protesting workers.
The decision is learnt to have been arrived at after discussions between the party and union leaderships and the Corporation administration.
Vaccination policies must prioritize saving human lives over individual choice amid rising vaccine skepticism, asserts scientist Dr. Virander Singh Chauhan.
Seven Indian fishermen from Rameswaram arrested by Sri Lankan Navy, sparking protests and calls for government intervention.
Kerala cyber police file a case against X for an AI video allegedly defaming PM Modi and the Election Commission.
iKure and Izawa Co. partner to combat avoidable blindness by integrating innovative eye care technology into rural healthcare networks.
Thousand Lights MLA from the DMK N. Ezhilan, in an interview to The Hindu, observes that any popular personality entering politics will attract the limelight. But only a structured party machinery combined with popularity can ensure success. In this interview, he speaks about his tenure as first-time MLA from Thousand Lights Assembly constituency in Chennai, Vijay’s political entry shaping the 2026 elections, redressal of key grievances and more.
Abhishek Banerjee challenges BJP's Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram, pledging community health initiatives if Trinamool Congress wins.
Rising LPG shortages in Karnataka boost firewood demand, reviving an informal market as households and hotels seek alternatives.
Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night
Fadnavis claims zero FIR in Ajit Pawar crash is a defamation attempt by Karnataka against Maharashtra's investigation efforts.
Set to unfold as a one-day pop-up on April 5, the Easter Sadya brings together both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, offering a peek into the food traditions of the Syrian Christian (Nasrani) community. While the traditional Sadya is often associated with dishes such as sambar, avial, and rice, this version expands to include community-specific festive dishes.
BJP nominates mother of R.G. Kar victim Abhaya to contest from Panihati in West Bengal Assembly elections.
Veteran Malayalam actor-director E.A. Rajendran passes away at 71, leaving behind a rich legacy in the film industry.
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has rolled out digital mode of water bill generation and collection in 23 gram panchayats on a pilot basis for the first time in Karnataka. This is set to be extended to the remaining 200 panchayats shortly, according to the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari.