Chairman of the National Safai Karamchari Commission M. Shivanna said here on Monday that the minimum wage for safai karamcharis would be enhanced from Rs. 8,400 to Rs. 11,000 a month.
He was speaking after paying a surprise visit to the K.R. Hospital here on Monday. The Chairman apprised the administrative staff of the new minimum wages, which would come into effect from April and said a government notification would be issued shortly.
Mr. Shivanna took exception to non-adherence of safety features by the safai karamcharis at the hospital. The contractor entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring compliance of safety norms was pulled up, but was told that some of the workers refused to wear it. Mr. Shivanna refused to accept any excuse and directed the hospital’s administrative staff to ensure that the safai karamcharis were not exposed to the hospital waste.
“Adherence to safety norms like wearing boots, gloves and masks was imperative from the health point of view and there cannot be any compromise on it,” said Mr. Shivanna. He warned of serious consequences and prosecution if safety issues were violated by the contractors or the administrative authorities.
