Temporary health workers protest around Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul's car, demand a salary hike

Kolkata: A section of temporary health workers protested around the car of West Bengal’s Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Monday, demanding a hike in their salary.

In the morning, the state minister joined the anti-dengue campaign in the Chitpur area of north Kolkata. While leaving the programme, a section of temporary health workers of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) protested around her car. The protesters demanded a salary increase.

The state minister said that she will look into the demands of the health workers. The minister said that a decision will be taken considering the poor financial condition of the state.

In Agnimitra's words, "They get only Rs 303 per day. We will try to increase the salary. No one's salary has been stopped. No one's salary will be stopped during this new government's tenure. Rather, it will increase."

At the same time, the state minister added, "We will have to take a decision after seeing the state's treasury. The previous government has incurred debts. We are giving women Rs 3,000 per month. There are also many projects currently underway. We will also have to look at the state's treasury before taking a decision in this regard."

Meanwhile, regarding the dengue awareness campaign in the city, she said, "Everyone should be careful not to allow water to accumulate anywhere near the house or roadside. Because dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Even if iron, nails or other materials used in building a house are left for a long time, water can accumulate there. Therefore, action will be taken if construction materials are left on the roadside or anywhere else."

The Minister gave a clear message that if the rules are not followed, in addition to fines, those materials can also be confiscated if necessary. She warned of hefty fines in this regard.

According to her, awareness and active cooperation of the general public, along with the administration, is also very important in preventing dengue. Agnimitra Paul said that last year the number of dengue cases in Kolkata was 585. So far this year, the number has been 539. However, she said that the goal is to reduce this number to zero.

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