The Tamil Nadu government has ordered a cash food allowance for 24,264 sanitation workers employed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC). Each worker will receive ₹50 for every day attended at work; the amount will be added to monthly salary and paid in cash instead of the meals currently provided.
The decision followed a survey across Zones 1 to 15 in which about 92% of workers preferred a cash allowance. A government order issued on September 21 also cited complaints about meal quality, late distribution, kitchen hygiene, substandard ingredients and the condition and upkeep of utensils.
The allowance covers sanitation workers under GCC self-help groups and private cleaning contractors Urbaser Sumeet and Chennai Enviro Solutions Private Limited. The annual cost is estimated at ₹44.28 crore and will be met from GCC funds. The order was issued by the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue and Finance) following directions from GCC Commissioner G.S. Sameeran.