TN plans fresh PPP model for waste management in 12 corporations; workers raise privatisation concerns

Chennai, June 21 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL) has initiated the process for revamping municipal solid waste management in 12 major municipal corporations by inviting tenders to appoint consultancy firms for preparing Detailed Feasibility Reports (DFRs) and providing transaction advisory services under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The proposed initiative covers the municipal corporations of Avadi, Hosur, Tambaram, Vellore, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Tiruppur, Madurai, Thoothukudi, Tiruchirappalli and Tirunelveli.

The consultancy assignment has been divided into three packages with a combined estimated value of Rs 4.05 crore. The move comes as the existing three-year contracts awarded to private agencies for solid waste management are nearing completion.

Under Government Order (G.O.) No.116 issued by the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department on August 24, 2022, all municipal corporations and municipalities in Tamil Nadu were permitted to undertake solid waste management activities through private agencies on a contractual basis for three years.

According to senior officials, the government is reviewing the existing model before issuing fresh tenders, citing several shortcomings in the current arrangements.

Authorities have identified gaps in maintaining cleanliness standards, monitoring service delivery, and ensuring operational efficiency. As a result, revised contract conditions and a more structured framework are being considered before the next round of tenders is floated.

The proposed consultancy firms will be tasked with preparing comprehensive feasibility reports aimed at transforming the 12 corporations into garbage-free cities.

The studies will also focus on strengthening compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and developing sustainable systems for the collection, transportation and management of municipal waste.

Officials said the consultancy reports are expected to provide a roadmap for improving urban sanitation, enhancing accountability, and ensuring better outcomes under the PPP model. However, the proposal has sparked concern among conservancy workers and labour organisations, which have consistently opposed the outsourcing of sanitation services.

Trade union representatives argue that privatisation has led to job insecurity, poor working conditions and inadequate welfare measures for sanitation workers.

R. Balasubramanian of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) said outsourcing had deprived many workers of opportunities for permanent employment and labour rights.

K. Bharathi, president of Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam, which spearheaded a prolonged protest against privatisation of sanitation services in Chennai, urged the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government to prioritise workers’ welfare and reconsider further outsourcing. He argued that expanding privatisation would primarily benefit corporate operators while leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation and uncertainty.

–IANS

aal/dpb