National Commission for Safai Karamcharis chairman Manhar Valji Bhai Zala said here on Thursday that he would take up the issue of regularising the services of pourakarmikas on contract with the State government.
He was speaking at a review meeting at the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) regarding the implementation of the safety norms and deployment of mechanised contraptions in civic works.
The chairman did not specify a date.
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Mr. Zala called for ensuring the safety of workers who clean sewers and drains and called for distribution of good quality gloves and shoes.
He also suggested deployment of mechanised apparatus while executing such works.
Mr. Zala said that the Centre had launched a survey on manual scavenging in six districts of the State, including Mysuru.
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He sought details regarding deaths of pourakarmikas in the district while cleaning drains and was informed that two such deaths had taken place in 10 years.
The chairman said the local administration should appreciate the role of the pourakarmikas in keeping the city clean.
Manchaiah, president of the MCC Pourakarmikas’ Association, urged Mr. Zala to help secure better educational facilities for their children and better healthcare.
Councillor Purushotham demanded that all educational institutions should reserve 10% of the seats for children of pourakarmikas.
Jagadish Hiremani, member of the commission, said it was imperative to create awareness among the pourakarmikas of the social and economic welfare schemes available to them by visiting their residential areas.
He suggested that the Department of Social Welfare should conduct a workshop and an awareness drive regarding the various laws enacted for protection and socio-economic advancement of pourakarmikas.
The visiting delegation was informed that there were 562 permanent pourakarmikas in the MCC besides 1,648 workers on contract. The authorities spent ₹76.46 lakh per annum towards meeting the education fee of 842 children of pourakarmikas.
In addition, 320 families had been provided solar power and LPG connection.