MYSURU, 10 MARCH

The president of the Karnataka State Pourakarmikas Association, DR Raju, announced on Monday that pourakarmikas across all 13 urban local bodies in Mysuru, including the Mysuru City Corporation and surrounding areas, will halt work on 11 March to protest against the state government’s failure to address their demands outlined during the 2025-26 budget presentation. Raju accused the government of neglecting the needs of various groups, including contractual and outsourced workers, and highlighted the unfulfilled promise to include the remaining 24,000 pourakarmikas under a direct payment scheme. Further demands include establishing a health insurance scheme and regularisation of jobs. Protests will be staged outside the offices of urban local bodies, with a warning of intensified action if the government does not respond.