Citizens, BMC marshals must follow rules of decency

BMC marshals Padmavati Nadar and Komal Ghusale at work on Marine Drive. Pics/Bipin Kokate

That clean-up marshals are a reviled lot is no secret. These BMC helpers have often been accused of taking their jobs far too seriously, sometimes even bullying citizens into showing civic sense. A report in this paper, however, said that the recently recruited marshals, hired to fine those not wearing masks, have had to contend with abuse, humiliation and rudeness throughout the day.

While it is natural to view this as their long-overdue comeuppance, this has clearly shown up the baser side of Mumbaikars, too. The report states that most of the newer marshals are those who used to hold other jobs before. They have chosen this work in desperation and Mumbai's attitude towards them has left them shocked.

The job of these marshals has been clearly defined: to fine those found without masks in public places or in public transport. They all have seemingly impossible daily targets to meet and can be seen chasing autos, taxis and radio cabs, banging on windows. These are contractual workers and their salaries depend on them meeting targets.

Mumbaikars know the rules yet continue to flout them with an inexplicable arrogance. Why is it so hard to comprehend that while one may not show symptoms of COVID-19, one can be a spreader? The mask not only protects us but other people, too. People whom one has no right to give the disease to. That itself justifies being fined. Arguing with a marshal who is simply doing his or her job only shows us up as diabolically stupid. Having said that, the authorities too, need to set realistic targets and account for uncooperative citizens. It is inhuman to have workers constantly exposed to abuse and insults.

Why not change tack for a while and get marshals to hand out masks to offenders at a nominal cost instead? If the intention is to get people to wear masks, this more than anything else will work in the city's favour.