URBAN POOR | Citizen Matters, Bengaluru

COVID-19 lockdown: Is universalising PDS the need of the hour?

April 10, 2020 Pranshu Rathee

In an emergency like the present, the state should ensure that the poor — estimated to be around 20 lakh in Bengaluru — have access to its public distribution system. Interestingly, the Food and Civil Supplies Department says there are only 16 lakh ration cards in the city. This, while there is enough to feed all for 15 months, say experts.

Bangalore Apartments’ Federation to launch health insurance for domestic workers

November 22, 2019 News Desk

Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF), which represents one lakh flats in the city, will launch a group insurance scheme for all domestic workers on November 24th

Averting Day Zero: How Bengaluru should manage its water

October 23, 2019 Sneha Visakha

A slew of regulations are needed to arrest Bengaluru’s worsening water scarcity. These include change in water pricing, integrated management of various water resources, and so on

Panel to explore solutions to Bengaluru’s water crisis: Who gets how much and at what cost?

October 22, 2019 News Desk

How can every Bengalurean be provided with enough water for their needs, at a price they can afford? Attend a panel discussion on October 24th, where BWSSB Chairman and domain experts explore solutions

Mayor Gangambike Mallikarjun interacting with volunteers of Citizens for Bengaluru who organised a special meet to thank her for her cooperation. Pic: Ekta Sawant

What Bengaluru’s new Mayor can build on: A summary of Gangambike Mallikarjun’s work

October 1, 2019 Ekta Sawant

As Bengaluru elects its new Mayor today, here is a look at what the outgoing Mayor Gangambike Mallikarjun accomplished in her tenure, and what she advocated for

Pourakarmikas are frustrated that only 4,000 workers may be regularized instead of all 18,000. Pic: BBMP Powrkarmikara Sangha

Pourakarmikas protest BBMP move to regularise only a few, Commissioner assures action

September 24, 2019 News Desk

Pourakarmikas demanded regularisation of all 18,000 workers, at a protest today. BBMP’s current regularisation process excludes genuine workers based on age, educational qualification, and the requirement for online applications, they pointed out.

Hundreds of workers from across Karnataka gathered at Karmikara Bhavana to protest against low wages and discrimination. Pic: Vinay Sreenivasa

Garment factory workers protest lack of minimum wages

September 14, 2019 Vinay Sreenivasa

While most workers in Karnataka now get minimum wages of Rs 11,557 per month, garment factory workers are still paid Rs 7000-8000. State government has not increased their wages as per the law, or even after a recent court order

How a low-income community in Bengaluru used data to demand a bus route

September 5, 2019 Sarada Mahesh

Two years ago, BMTC stopped its bus service to Old Baiyappanahalli, a low-income settlement. Recently the youth here surveyed residents, and found they were even facing wage cuts due to increased travel time. The survey has prompted BMTC to rethink its decision

Here’s how you can donate food in Bengaluru

August 12, 2019 Tanika Deuskar

If you want to help feed the hungry in Bengaluru, you have several options – asking volunteer networks to pick up excess food, donating dry rations to an organisation, or even becoming a volunteer yourself.

Where to donate clothes, toys and books in Bengaluru

August 11, 2019 Tanika Deuskar

If you have reusable or underused materials at home, don’t throw these away. There are many organisations in Bengaluru that readily accept donations and take these to deserving people

Bengaluru’s street vendors: A vibrant community deprived of rights

June 28, 2019 Bhargavi S Rao

Carts of street food that offer a quick snack, little stalls selling just what you were looking for – street vendors are an integral part of life in Bengaluru. But why isn’t the government implementing the law that upholds their right to work?

Can a security guard in Bengaluru aspire for more?

June 17, 2019 Deepa Vaishnavi V M

Security guards are ubiquitous in the city. But how well do they earn, and what options for career growth do they have? Here is the story of Merajul Hoque who migrated from Assam five years ago, to be a guard in Bengaluru

How Bengaluru’s crumbling Dry Waste Collection Centres can be overhauled

May 20, 2019 Nalini Shekar

Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCCs) perform the critical function of collecting, sorting and disposing of dry waste in the city. But the majority of these centres are dilapidated, with few facilities and difficult work conditions. A recent study suggests ways to change this.

Why the air inside your home could be as toxic as that outside

March 13, 2019 Arjun Rajan

India’s dubious distinction in terms of air quality is widely discussed, but the focus of discussion has typically been outdoor pollution. Yet, right here in Bengaluru, indoor pollution poses serious risks for several communities, cutting across class. What are the sources of indoor pollution and how can it be addressed?

With meagre pay and unhealthy conditions, why do Bengaluru pourakarmikas continue in their jobs?

February 26, 2019 Krupa Sriram

Illiteracy, caste dynamics and social constraints of a migrant worker — a survey in Whitefield reveals the mix of factors that keep a pourakarmika bound to her profession, irrespective of the conditions and compensation.