New Delhi: The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung today met all the three Mayors and Commissioners of the Municipal Corporations to inform them that the Delhi government would be releasing Rs. 493 Crores today itself so that the salaries of sanitation workers could be paid.
The government's move has come after the Delhi High Court directed it to release the salary dues of MCD employees by June 15.
Three PILs were filed in HC on the garbage issue in the city as the municipal employees including the sanitation workers are on strike demanding their salary. Court was also shown media reports, pictures of garbage strewn all over the roads.
HC said garbage issue in east Delhi has reached alarming proportions and directed Delhi Police and east MCD to hold a meeting for ensuring its removal.
The HC also issued notice to Centre, Delhi government and east MCD on pleas seeking removal of garbage and payment of salaries to the civic body staff.
In his meeting with the MCD officials, LG appealed to them to persuade the employees to call of the strike in the interest of the citizens of Delhi.
A press release by LG's office informing his meeting with the MCD officials read, “While appreciating the pain that the safai karamcharies have gone through for lack of payment of salaries, he appeals to them that despite the hardships they have faced, they may call off the strike.”
“This will be in the greater interest of the citizens of this great city that belongs to all of us,” it further stated.
Earlier in the day, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visited East Delhi MCD office to interact with the sanitation workers who were on strike.
Addressing striking workers, Rahul Gandhi said that he will take up their battle.
"If you want me to sit here for hours and listen to you, I will do that," Rahul said.
"You are not just sanitation workers, you are soldiers," the Rahul told MCD workers.
