Mon Oct 27 14:37:59 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:
Summary:
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is considering penalizing Self-Help Groups (SHGs) responsible for sanitation services due to rampant absenteeism among sanitation workers. Officials report significant disruptions to road sweeping services due to workers frequently being absent or prioritizing “moonlighting” opportunities. The current SHG system was implemented in 2012 to eliminate exploitation by manpower agencies. Despite the advantages, absenteeism, deaths, and absconding workers pose ongoing challenges. The government has recently approved the recruitment of 4,300 replacements for deceased workers, a process overseen by circle-level committees due to concerns about corruption.
News Article:
Hyderabad Sanitation Workers Face Pay Cuts Over High Absenteeism
Hyderabad, October 27, 2025 – The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is cracking down on absenteeism among sanitation workers, potentially impacting the pay of thousands. Sources say the GHMC has issued orders to penalize Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which serve as outsourcing agencies for sanitation staff, for failing to manage worker attendance.
“We are seeing significant disruptions to sanitation services due to chronic absenteeism,” an official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Hindu. “In some areas, we are finding only one sweeper present where a team of seven is expected.”
The proposed penalties include a ₹2,000 cut in salary deposits to SHG accounts for circles reporting absenteeism rates exceeding 50%. Memos have already been issued to Assistant Medical Officers of Health demanding explanations for absenteeism above 20%.
Officials claim that many sanitation workers are prioritizing “moonlighting” and side businesses, affecting the city’s cleanliness. Workers allegedly only make sporadic appearances to avoid losing their jobs entirely.
The SHG system was implemented in 2012 to combat exploitation by private manpower agencies, where workers were underpaid and overworked. However, the current system has proven not immune to issues. Besides absenteeism, deaths and workers leaving their positions also contribute to the staff shortages.
“Many workers find ‘gig’ work more lucrative, and are willing to work elsewhere to make up money” one official claimed.
The GHMC is also grappling with filling vacancies due to deaths and resignations. Following government approval, the GHMC plans to recruit 4,300 replacements, prioritizing kin of deceased workers. Circle-level committees, including the Deputy Commissioner, AMOH, and Zonal Commissioner, will oversee the recruitment process to prevent corruption.
The move to penalize SHGs has sparked debate about the underlying causes of absenteeism and whether such measures will effectively address the problem. It remains to be seen how these measures will impact sanitation services throughout Hyderabad.
First Piper 