New Delhi, October 22: Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar on Thursday reviewed measures for the welfare, rehabilitation and occupational safety of sanitation workers, stressing mechanisation, protective equipment and strict enforcement of the law prohibiting manual scavenging.
At a meeting with officials of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK), the minister called for better training, wider awareness of government welfare schemes and coordinated efforts to ensure that eligible workers receive the benefits intended for them.
The meeting was attended by Bhagwat Prasad Makwana, Chairperson, NCSK; Manoj Kumar Balmiki, Member; Shri Ravi Ramu Kalose, Member; and Dr. Sushma Gaudiyal, Member of the Commission. The concerned Joint Secretaries of the Ministry were also present.
During the meeting, various measures for the welfare and rehabilitation of sanitation workers were discussed in detail, with particular emphasis on improving working conditions, ensuring occupational safety and promoting their socio-economic empowerment.
Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasised the need to provide appropriate training to sanitation workers to enhance their skills, promote safe working practices and enable them to undertake sanitation-related activities in a dignified and secure manner. He also stressed the importance of creating widespread awareness about the provisions and benefits of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme of the Ministry, so that more eligible beneficiaries across the country can avail themselves of its benefits.
The Minister underscored the need to provide eligible sanitation workers with suitable mechanised equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to minimise occupational risks and eliminate unsafe sanitation practices. He highlighted that the provision of equipment must be accompanied by its proper and effective use, regular maintenance and periodic monitoring to ensure its continued functionality and effectiveness.
Dr. Kumar also stressed the strict implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their
Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013), and the associated MS Rules, 2013.
The Minister called upon the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis to continue its efforts to protect the rights and dignity of sanitation workers and to coordinate with the concerned authorities to ensure that welfare measures and government schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries.
The meeting reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to the welfare, rehabilitation, safety and socio-economic empowerment of sanitation workers, with a focus on dignified working conditions, mechanisation and effective implementation of relevant welfare measures. (PIB)
Comments are closed.