Lack of protective gear: Sanitary workers mob ministers' cars near Namakkal

Namakkal: In a surprise development, the cars of two state ministers, Electricity Minister Thangamani and Social Welfare Minister Dr V Saroja, were gheraoed by sanitary workers at Rasipuram in Namakkal district on Tuesday, protesting against the non-issuance of protective materials to them while doing COVID-19 preventive activities.

More than 50 women sanitary workers of the Rasipuram municipality who have been undertaking cleaning operations in the town as part of coronavirus prevention measures, complained that despite their repeated pleas, they have not yet been given face masks, hand gloves and the like.

This happened despite clear orders from the chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami that all sanitary workers should be equipped with protective equipment.

When the two ministers came to participate in a function in Rasipuram today, women sanitary staff resorted to direct action to bring attention to their issues by blocking the cars.

The workers also blocked the car of Namakkal district collector Megraj.

After the district collector assured that they will also be provided with the necessary protective equipment, calm was restored and the agitated women sanitary workers dispersed peacefully.