
Contract conservancy workers and drivers protest in Coimbatore seeking wage hike and pending dues
Over 200 contract conservancy workers and drivers staged a protest in front of the Coimbatore Collectorate on Monday, demanding a hike in wages and the clearance of pending Provident Fund (PF) and Employees' State Insurance (ESI) payments.
The protesters urged the Coimbatore Corporation to revise their wages in line with Government Order (GO) 62, which they said stipulates a daily wage of ₹770. They said currently, contract sanitary workers receive ₹15,500 per month, while drivers are paid ₹20,150.
'This has been a long-pending demand. We have been raising it regularly,' said one of the workers.
In response, the Corporation stated that PF and ESI contributions have been credited till April, and that talks are ongoing with workers regarding the wage structure.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Hindu
5 hours ago
- The Hindu
Contract conservancy workers and drivers protest in Coimbatore seeking wage hike and pending dues
Over 200 contract conservancy workers and drivers staged a protest in front of the Coimbatore Collectorate on Monday, demanding a hike in wages and the clearance of pending Provident Fund (PF) and Employees' State Insurance (ESI) payments. The protesters urged the Coimbatore Corporation to revise their wages in line with Government Order (GO) 62, which they said stipulates a daily wage of ₹770. They said currently, contract sanitary workers receive ₹15,500 per month, while drivers are paid ₹20,150. 'This has been a long-pending demand. We have been raising it regularly,' said one of the workers. In response, the Corporation stated that PF and ESI contributions have been credited till April, and that talks are ongoing with workers regarding the wage structure.


New Indian Express
6 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Understanding Home Loan Tax Benefits: How to Maximise Savings
A home loan not only helps you purchase a property, but also provides opportunities to save on taxes. If you are servicing a housing loan, you may be eligible for various deductions under the Income Tax Act, 1961. These benefits reduce your taxable income and maximise savings. This article explores key deductions available under Sections 24(b), 80C, 80EE, and 80EEA. Deductions on Interest Paid – Section 24(b) Under Section 24(b), you can claim deductions on the interest paid on a home loan. For a self-occupied property, you can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 2 Lakh per annum. However, note that the deduction is applicable only if the construction or purchase of the property is completed within five years from the end of the financial year in which the loan was taken. Deductions on Principal Repayment – Section 80C Under Section 80C, you can claim a deduction of up to Rs.1.5 Lakh per annum on the principal amount repaid during the financial year. This includes: ● The amount repaid towards the housing loan principal ● Stamp duty and registration charges (Note: These charges can be claimed only in the financial year they were incurred.) The following conditions need to be met to claim deductions: ● The deduction is available only after the completion of the property and issuance of the completion certificate. ● The property must not be sold within five years of possession, or the deduction claimed will be reversed in the year of sale. This Section also allows deductions on other investments such as Provident Fund, ELSS, and life insurance premiums. Additional Deductions for First-Time Buyers – Section 80EE To support first-time homebuyers, Section 80EE allows an additional deduction of up to Rs.50,000 per annum on home loan interest payments. This is over and above the Rs. 2 Lakh limit under Section 24(b). The conditions to be met are: ● The loan must be sanctioned between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017. ● The loan amount should not exceed Rs. 35 Lakh, and the property value should not be more than Rs. 50 Lakh. ● The applicant should not own any other residential property on the date of loan sanction. Additional Deduction for Affordable Housing – Section 80EEA Section 80EEA incentivises affordable housing. You can claim an additional deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 Lakh on home loan interest if: ● The loan is sanctioned between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2022. ● The stamp duty value of the property does not exceed Rs. 45 Lakh. ● You do not own any other residential property at the time of loan sanction. Note that if you opt for this deduction, you cannot claim benefits under Section 80EE. Understanding home loan tax benefits is key to maximising savings. Sections 24(b), 80C, 80EE, and 80EEA offer valuable deductions on interest and principal repayments. Consider using an income tax calculator to estimate potential savings before and after availing of a housing loan.


New Indian Express
13 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Guntur Corporation takes eco leap with cloth bag vending machines, plastic-for-entry scheme
GUNTUR: In a bid to curb single-use plastics and promote eco-friendly habits, the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has launched two innovative initiatives—a cloth bag vending machine network and a plastic exchange programme. GMC Commissioner Puli Srinivasulu said the measures are part of a broader strategy to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable living. 'We are systematically working to phase out single-use plastics, which are harmful to public health and the environment,' he noted. As a first step, cloth bag vending machines have been installed at Gandhi Park and NTR Stadium. These machines dispense durable cloth bags for Rs 20, payable using Rs 10 notes, Rs 5 coins, or a combination of both. The GMC is exploring partnerships to feature advertisements on the bags, which could further reduce their cost to Rs 10. Plans are also in place to expand the vending network to more public areas. In a unique incentive-based move, the Corporation has introduced a plastic exchange program that allows residents to gain free entry to Gandhi Park by submitting 1 kilogram of household plastic waste. Dedicated counters for collecting plastic and electronic waste have been established within the park. 'This is more than just waste disposal—it's about cultivating a change in mindset,' Srinivasulu stressed, urging citizens to actively participate in creating a plastic-free Guntur. Residents have welcomed the initiative. 'Small steps like these make a big difference,' said Anjali Reddy, a local resident. 'Affordable cloth bags and simple recycling incentives encourage people to be responsible.' Through this blend of accessibility, incentives, and civic engagement, the Corporation aims to turn its 'Clean Guntur' mission from a slogan into a daily community practice.