19 new dengue cases reported as MCD tackles worker strike

Adding to the MCD8217;s woes, around 2,500 domestic breeding checkers DBCs, employed with the MCD on a contract basis, are on strike demanding regularisation of their jobs.

The strike and a relay fast organised by the DBCs from Wednesday at the Town Hall has sparked off a controversy over their removal and new appointments. With the contractual employees on strike, the civic body is planning to hire another 420 workers to fill in.

8220;Out of 3,200 DBCs, only 750 are reporting for work. We had, however, recently advertised for 420 vacant posts, for which we have received 6,000 applications,8221; MCD Public Health Committee Chairman V K Monga said.

8220;If the strike is not resolved within two to three days, we may even think of taking in more people and effectively end the contract of the workers on strike,8221; he said. MCD officials said September-October is the peak season for dengue cases and the strike is merely a 8220;blackmailing tactic8221;.

The ruling BJP in MCD accused the Congress 8220;Opposition lobby8221; of 8220;instigating8221; the protestors, as the Congress has openly come out in support of the DBCs holding the BJP responsible for the situation.

The deadlock notwithstanding, dengue cases are increasing rapidly in the Capital. Delhi has reported 274 cases and one death so far this year. Officials say that the number of cases is not expected to decline at least till September-end. The civic body also refuted allegations of the Opposition that medicines being used for treating the disease have crossed expiry dates.