Health workers demand Puja allowance hike, 4-member team meets Mayor Firhad Hakim

In the bustling heart of Kolkata's civic center, a group of dedicated health workers from the National Health Urban Mission (NHUM) made headlines today by cornering Mayor Firhad Hakim with a fervent demand for better Puja-time allowances. As the city gears up for the vibrant Durga Puja celebrations, these frontline warriors—stationed across the Kolkata Municipal Corporation's health outposts—highlighted how their daily stipends have plummeted from a pre-pandemic high of 500 rupees to a meager 100 rupees, despite workloads doubling in the post-COVID era.

Represented by a four-member delegation, they stormed into the mayor's office, turning a routine visit into a charged standoff that underscores the growing frustration among essential workers who keep the city's health pulse steady year-round.The agitation kicked off with protesters chanting slogans outside the KMC headquarters, drawing attention to the sharp cut imposed in 2021 without any prior notice from the health department. "We were hired in 2019 with the promise of 500 rupees daily for extra Puja duties—handling crowds, emergency setups, and sanitation drives," one delegate shared, her voice echoing the collective grievance.

The workers, many of whom are contractual staff juggling multiple shifts, argued that inflation and rising living costs have rendered the current 100-rupee payout insulting, especially when Puja demands them to work extended hours amid festive chaos. Their bold move forced the mayor to pause his schedule, assuring an immediate sit-down to address the "unfair slash" that's left families struggling just before the biggest festival of the year.Mayor Hakim, known for his hands-on approach to urban issues, responded with characteristic empathy, inviting the delegation for a closed-door meeting right away.

Flanked by Municipal Commissioner Dhaval Jain and Chief Health Officer Ranita Sengupta, the discussion delved into the nitty-gritty of budget reallocations and policy tweaks. Sources close to the talks revealed that the mayor listened intently as the workers laid out their case, emphasizing not just the allowance hike but also demands for national holiday observances during Puja.

Hakim reportedly nodded in agreement on the need for fair compensation, hinting at exploring funds from the civic body's contingency reserves to bridge the gap.At the core of the debate was the stark contrast between past and present: back in 2019, NHUM workers thrived on the 500-rupee incentive, which covered travel, meals, and minor emergencies during the ten-day Puja frenzy. 

The room buzzed with pragmatic ideas, from phased increases to skill-based bonuses, signaling a willingness to negotiate rather than dictate.As the meeting stretched into its second hour, glimmers of hope emerged. Mayor Hakim pledged to fast-track a review committee, aiming for a resolution before Puja pandals rise across the city. This isn't just about numbers—it's a testament to the unsung heroes who man fever clinics and vaccination drives, often overlooked until crises strike. The workers left the chamber with cautious optimism, vowing to rally more colleagues if promises falter.

With Puja's economic ripple—boosting local vendors and tourism—ensuring health staff are motivated could prevent service lapses during peak times. As negotiations continue, all eyes are on whether Mayor Hakim's assurances translate into tangible relief, For now, the health workers' spirited stand has injected a dose of urgency into the pre-Puja buzz, reminding the city that behind every celebration are the tireless hands making it safe and sound.