Nashik: The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has sought the nod of its general body to give a three-month extension to the existing contractor to provide 700 sanitation workers by January 31 next year.The NMC had outsourced 700 sanitation workers through a private contractor on three-year contract basis from August 1, 2020, which ended on July 31 this year.However, the civic body had given the contractor a three-month extension till October 31, considering the time required for the tender process and to finalize the next contractor.Later, the NMC decided to give another three months extension to the current contractor up to January 31 so that the sanitation works are not affected. The 700 sanitation workers were outsourced as the NMC was running on a manpower shortage. We also published the following articles recentlyCity sanitation workers ditch safety gear for ease, CCP says its helplessSanitation workers appointed by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) to handle waste do not use provided safety gear, citing practical difficulties. However, experts warn of the risks these workers face, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin diseases. Workers mention discomfort with wearing face masks and gloves due to suffocation and grip issues. They only wear gumboots in slushy areas to avoid itching. Despite this, the CCP provides quality safety gear, conducts health check-ups, and encourages supervisors to ensure the use of protective equipment when handling hazardous waste.City sanitation workers ditch safety gear for ease, CCP says its helplessSanitation workers in Panaji are not using protective gear despite the hazards. Workers handling wet waste were seen without face masks and gumboots. Experts warn of the risks they face, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin diseases. Workers cite discomfort as a reason for not using the gear. The civic body provides safety equipment but cannot compel workers to use it.Contractors refuse to say cheers to excise policyThe UT administration is facing pressure from stakeholder associations as it prepares the excise policy for the next financial year. The Chandigarh Wine Contractor Association (CWCA) boycotted the meeting call by the UT excise and taxation commissioner for the second time, alleging that the administration was rigid and reluctant to cooperate with liquor traders. The administration is pressurising liquor contractors to lift 100% quota of unsold vends. Liquor vend contractors have been at loggerheads with the administration over a higher tax regime compared to neighbouring Punjab. The International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI) sought relief from inflation for the alco-bev industry.

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