Dhobis Served Eviction Notice Again!

Update on Dhobi Ghat - 12th December, 2024 

     ·      On 10th December 2024, 17 Dhobi families received individual letters from the Institute administration addressed to the head of the family inviting them       to a meeting to be held on 11th December at 10.30 am.

·      The Dhobis had decided to go with their family members, who are involved in washing clothes, and they also prepared a written note of their concerns with several copies to hand it over in the meeting. Around 50 odd people assembled at the gate of Academic Area at the scheduled time.

·      But the security allowed only those who had their names on the letters. That means 14 persons were let into the meeting, as two of them had passed away, both within a year (one barely a couple of days earlier) and one of the designated persons was unwell.

·      The meeting happened in FB 212 where the Director, the Deputy Director, the Estate officer, the head of the security and a person in police uniform were present other than the dhobis.

·      The meeting started with the uniformed police officer asking the dhobis to cooperate with the Institute as he did not wish to use force to evict them. He also reminded them about the present political dispensation in the State and the Centre, and how swift they are in taking actions against illegal occupants.

·      The dhobis felt so threated that they could hardly speak and could not even give the written note which they had taken along.

·      The meeting lasted for around 10-15 minutes. At the end of it the Dhobis were told that they would have to vacate the Dhobi Ghat and that is non-negotiable. Should they need a few more days to make arrangements they should write the number of days required individually and submit it for the consideration of the administration. They refused to entertain any demand for alternate arrangement for appropriate workplace if the space was to be vacated.

The Dhobis had believed that the meeting initiated by the administration was to have a genuine dialogue with them where they would be able to present their side. They had hoped that the Institute was finally acknowledging their contributions for over six decades and would ensure them arrangements to carry on their work with dignity.  But they were absolutely taken aback by the presence of police personnel and the general intimidating overtones of the meeting. Instead of listening to their side they were given an ultimatum.

And yet in spite of their extreme disappointment and fear due to the uncertainty and intimidation, the dhobi families have decided to continue to collectively stand up for their right of dignified livelihood. They once again appeal to the community to stand by them in their hour of need. There are only 6 days left till they are supposed to vacate the premises.

And they have once again invited the community to listen to them on Friday, 5 pm at dhobi ghat.

Hamara Manch believes that the conduct of the institute authorities in an invited meeting by them is unbefitting for a genuine dialogue. Involving police personnel in what was supposed to be an internal meeting of the Institute, intimidating service providers who have served the community for six decades, undermines the spirit of the Institute community. We steadfastly stand by the Dhobis in their demand and hope the extended community to do the same.  

Please do join the meeting and please pass the word.

Hamara Manch