Published Sep 29, 2026 | 4:05 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 29, 2026 | 4:05 PM
The sanitation workers have been protesting the government move for the past few weeks.
Synopsis: Workers have staged several protests in the city, alleging that thousands of livelihoods would be affected if the privatisation plan goes through. Protestors attempted to march to the Assembly on 12 September, during the recently concluded Monsoon Session, but were detained by the police.
The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has backed Swachh Auto and tipper drivers and workers protesting the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) reported move to hand over garbage collection to Re Sustainability Limited, formerly Ramky Enviro Engineers. It has asked the Telangana government to shelve the proposal.
In a statement issued on Monday, 28 September, the rights body said the plan would push thousands of self-employed workers out of a livelihood they built themselves.
HRF said the decentralised system has run in the city for about two decades. Under the previous government, around 4,750 vehicles were distributed on subsidy to workers from Dalit and backward communities. Since then, roughly 15,000 workers have bought their own autos and trolleys, collecting waste from homes, shops and hotels and moving it to GHMC-designated points. Ramky vehicles then carry it to the Jawaharnagar dump yard.
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HRF said it was unjust to weaken those who handle public health and sanitation in the name of privatisation. Instead of outsourcing, it argued, the government should strengthen the workers’ system.
The body demanded that workers remain under municipal administration and receive health and accident insurance, pensions, and other social security benefits.
In the past few weeks, workers have staged several protests in the city, alleging that thousands of livelihoods would be affected if the privatisation plan goes through. Protestors attempted to march to the Assembly on 12 September, during the recently concluded Monsoon Session, but were detained by the police.
On 18 September, a scuffle broke out at a workers’ demonstration at the GHMC headquarters, and union leader Kathravath Gopal Naik was taken to NIMS hospital after collapsing. The workers’ union said over 10 people died last month due to mental distress and urged the government to withdraw the proposal.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
