Manipur CM Biren meets sweepers during morning workout, hikes wages immediately

For some women who were sweeping the road at Kangla the ancient seat of power of Manipur, a morning rendezvous with Chief Minister N Biren Singh turned out to be a life-changer .

Biren known for his appetite for good health and love for sport was taking a ride inside the Kangla today morning when he saw some women sweeping the roads. He immediately stopped and enquired about their well being in this hour when the world is combating the Covid 19 pandemic.

The first query from the Chief Minister was about the pay the workers were getting. Surprised and slightly shocked, the women said they get less than Rs 6000 per month. Biren asked about the period the women had been working. They said they were mostly working for about eight years now.

Biren was concerned about the life of the women sweepers and enquired about the places they were coming from. All were from different places and all had to walk for a long distance covering more than seven to ten km just to reach their place of work. CM advised them to take curfew pass and use bicycle.

Officials nearby rushed in and informed the CM that the workers were paid Rs 190 as per government rule. Chief Minister consulted some officials and directed to immediately hike the pay to Rs 225 per day so that the workers can get Rs 6750 per month. He said other workers should get similar amount. The workers were delighted and seemed lost in the turn of events. They said the amount was too meager and they would prefer to work as regular employees.

Biren told them to give him some time to discuss their matter. The little hike was all he can do in the morning he said. “What more can be done” he asked himself and asked the workers if they had health, food cards issued by the government. None of them had health cards.

The CM instructed officials to issue health cards to all the workers so that they or their family members can get free medical treatment up to Rs 2 lakhs every year. Biren said there are so many people who are ashamed to do menial works. A nation will develop when more people come out and work as per their caliber, he said. Everybody has to work and perform their duty, whether as Chief Minister or anybody he said.

Biren, a sportsman turned journalist later opted politics has a penchant for meeting people . He started monthly open session with people, opening the Chief Minister’s Secretariat to the common masses. Though he has started various schemes, the health schemes he started have become popular as poor people have been given free medical treatment.