SHILLONG: While the streets of Shillong are looking cleaner than ever, a dark and desperate reality is unfolding behind the scenes. The very heroes keeping the “Scotland of the East” pristine—the contractual street sweepers of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB)—have been pushed to the edge.
The shocking truth? These workers have not received a single rupee in salary for four months straight.
Approximately 200 contractual workers, ranging from energetic youth to hardworking elders, are currently facing a financial nightmare. Since December, their bank accounts have remained empty, leaving them unable to afford basic necessities.
The stories coming from the frontline of the city’s cleanliness drive are heartbreaking
Many workers live in rented houses and have families to feed. “The government and the Municipal Board must think of us. It is outrageous to withhold salaries for four months,” cried one young worker from an impoverished background.
Another worker revealed that they can’t even afford a cup of tea or a bottle of water during their grueling shifts. “Sometimes we bring a small pack of food from home, but we can’t even buy juice to keep us going. We are forced to beg for money from our elderly parents back in the village just to survive.”
When confronted, the contractors in charge of the workforce pointed the finger directly at the top. The excuse? “The Government hasn’t released the funds.” This bureaucratic deadlock has left the workers in total darkness. They are questioning why the Municipal Board is refusing to release the money that they have rightfully earned through sweat and hard labor.
These workers cover the city’s busiest hubs, including Laitumkhrah, Khyndailad (Police Bazar) and Motphran.
“We have been working hard since last April, but since December, everything stopped. Our parents call us from the village asking for help, but we have nothing to give,” one frustrated youth stated.
The irony is glaring. While the government spends thousands on campaigns urging citizens to keep the city clean, the people actually doing the dirty work are being left to starve.
“If the people who clean the city are dying of hunger, who will take responsibility for Shillong?”
