Pune: Manual scavengers are still found working in sewer lines, and along with putting an end to such inhuman tasks, the administration must set a definite deadline for their permanent rehabilitation, instructed Sher Singh Dagor, Chairman of the Maharashtra Sanitation Workers Commission.
He was speaking at a review meeting held on Monday (May 19) at the District Collector’s office, regarding the implementation of the 2013 Act prohibiting the employment of manual scavengers and their rehabilitation, as well as discussing the issues faced by sanitation workers and possible solutions.
Present at the meeting were District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Resident Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam, District Surgeon Dr. Nagnath Yampalle, District Health Officer Dr. Sachin Desai, Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare Prasad Khairnar, District Social Welfare Officer Radhakishan Devdhe, representatives from Sassoon Hospital, non-governmental members, and office bearers of various organizations.
Collector Dudi said that a survey should be conducted to ensure the rehabilitation of children, youth, and elderly members of sanitation workers’ families in government offices. All children must be given 100% school admission. Youth should be provided employment through skill-based schemes like the PM-Vishwakarma Yojana and other central and state government initiatives. Elderly citizens should be provided benefits under the Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana, as per eligibility. Additionally, homeless individuals should be given housing under the Shabari Awas Yojana.
To uplift the standard of living of sanitation workers and ensure their progress, the Lad Page Committee was formed. Action should be taken to implement its recommendations for the benefit of sanitation workers. According to the Minimum Wages Act and labor laws, contractors must ensure timely payment of wages to sanitation workers directly into their bank accounts. Action will be taken against contractors who violate these provisions, Dudi added.
He also mentioned that demands raised by organization leaders should be addressed by the concerned departments through proper proposals sent to the government, and regular follow-ups should be ensured.
