Mysuru: In the aftermath of the University of Mysore UoM ) administration deciding against continuing with as many as 165 women civic workers who had served the varsity for 14 years, the employees started a stir at the entrance to the Manasagangothri campus – one that has lasted more than five days. Sleeping at the entrance, the women have had to endure the humiliation of having to relieve themselves in the open, besides sleeping on plastic sheets in the rain.On Monday, higher education minister GT Devegowda met the protesting civic workers, and heard their grievances. After lending a patient ear to their woes, Devegowda directed UoM’s in-charge vice-chancellor Prof. TK Umesh to cancel the new tender, which the varsity had called to hire new contract civic workers.It was the threat of being rendered jobless in the wake of UoM’s decision to call for a new tender that triggered the protest by the 165 women workers. Now, satisfied with the minister’s assurance, the workers have withdrawn their protest.Accompanied by Prof. Umesh, and UoM registrar R Rajanna, Devegowda spoke to the women. Besides highlighting the imminent danger of unemployment that the new tender posed, the protesting women sought benefits such as ESI care and provident fund (PF) that they were entitled to in accordance with a Supreme Court judgment.“The women are dedicated workers, and committed to the varsity. I have not received any complaints against them from the UoM management. I have directed Prof. Umesh to cancel the tender for new employees with immediate effect,” said Devegowda.The minister also promised to address other problems that the workers had raised including the demand for pay on a par with permanent employees. “I will address these problems after the Dasara celebrations,” Devegowda added.For the protesting women, Devegowda’s assurances came as a soothing balm after what has truly been a trying period. Elation and relief swept the protesters in equal measure. Emotions ran high among the protesting women following the minister’s assurances, which signalled the end of their ordeal.Taking the case of Chaya, who was forced to return to work soon after having given birth, into cognisance, Devegowda directed the varsity administration to provide maternity leave for the civic workers, and asked them to extend healthcare benefits to the workers.Narayana, who was the first civic worker to become the city’s mayor, historian Nanjaraj Urs, AIUTUC member M Umadevi and Civic Workers’ Association president Chandrashekar Meti were present at Manasagangothri on Monday.

Stay updated with all the Latest Mysore headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.