Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 28 Sep: At the Bijapur Guest House here, today, Chairman of the National Safai Karamchari Commission Bhagwat Prasad Makwana held a review meeting with officials regarding the rights of sanitation workers, their social and economic welfare, and the effective implementation of various central and state government schemes.
During the meeting, Chairman Makwana stated that sanitation workers and environmental friends play a vital role in keeping cities and society clean. Protecting their dignity, safety, and rights is the collective responsibility of the administration and society. He directed officials to listen to the problems of sanitation workers with sensitivity and ensure their timely and effective resolution. He directed that the benefits of all central and state government welfare schemes be made available to sanitation workers on a priority basis. He emphasised that there should be no negligence at any level in resolving the problems of sanitation workers, and that the Commission’s periodic directives should be taken seriously and their effective compliance ensured.
He emphasised the effective implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, stating that the practice of manual scavenging cannot be accepted under any circumstances. He gave clear instructions that under no circumstances should any environmental friend have to manually enter a septic tank or sewer. To this end, the concerned departments should ensure the maximum use of modern technology and machinery.
The Chairman stated that the use of technology can make sanitation systems safer and more effective. To this end, work should be done to develop manholes into “machine holes”. The use of modern machines, robotic technology, and other mechanical resources should be increased for sewer and manhole cleaning, so that there is no risk to the lives and health of environmental friends.
The Chairman emphasised that every environmental friend must be trained in technical knowledge, safety standards, and emergency response. He also directed that all environmental friends be regularly provided with PPE kits and that their quality and availability be continuously monitored. He urged that the current salary system for environmental friends be reviewed and a proposal for a salary increase be sent to the government, and necessary action be taken to ensure minimum wages for them. He also emphasised that sanitation workers should receive their salaries and other dues in a timely manner. Also, adequate provision should be ensured in the budget for the purchase of machines, equipment and PPE kits required for cleaning work.
With a view to strengthening the social security of environmental friends, the Chairman directed to improve life insurance and health insurance facilities and to connect more sanitation workers to these schemes. He directed preparation of a proposal to provide necessary support and funding for the education of children from sanitation workers’ families, so that they can have better educational opportunities.
He asked that as many environmental friends as possible should be connected to the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme. The Chairman stated that the scheme’s objective is not only to make sanitation work safe but also to empower sanitation workers and their families socially and economically. He directed officials to develop an effective action plan to empower the families of environmental friends by providing them with self-employment and skill development schemes. He stated that clear identification and departmental records of each sanitation worker are essential. To this end, the relevant bodies and departments should take necessary action and provide ID cards to all eligible sanitation workers.
He said that all schemes and arrangements related to the interests of sanitation workers should be reviewed regularly and there should be no laxity in providing the benefits of the schemes to the eligible persons. He said that the rights, safety and respect of sanitation workers will not be compromised at any level.
Additional Secretary/Director, Urban, Vinod Giri Goswami, ADM KK Mishra, Additional Superintendent, Police, Swatantra Kumar Singh and others were present on this occasion.
