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‘Safai karamcharis’ air problems

PUDUCHERRY: Representatives of ‘safai karamcharis’ (manual scavengers and sanitary workers) aired their problems to officials of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis and the municipalities here on Monday.

Member of the commission and former Member of Parliament K.B. Krishnamurthy said he had visited Puducherry for a preliminary study of the conditions of the safai karamcharis. A meeting had been conducted with the officials of the municipalities and the Puducherry Adi-Dravidar Development Corporation (PADCO) to discuss the problems faced by the sanitary workers.

“Soon, we will take up these issues with the Puducherry government and the Department for Social Welfare. We will also submit recommendations to the Centre based on the preliminary study conducted,” Mr. Krishnamurthy said, addressing the media.

The commission was established in 1993 to examine problems of manual scavengers and provide them with necessary amenities.

“The government seeks to eradicate this profession, which is usually passed on from generation to generation. While cleaning must be carried only with the help of modern equipment, these workers must be properly rehabilitated and provided housing, medical benefits and education. Other aspects, such as provident fund, insurance and employment opportunities after education must also be taken care of,” Mr. Krishnamurthy said.

The Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) is already in place and is being implemented by government-appointed agencies. But implementation has not been successful, Mr. Krishnamurthy said. The number of manual scavengers yet to be rehabilitated is still unclear, so the commission will soon take a re-survey of those who have already been rehabilitated and those yet to be rehabilitated. A report will also be submitted soon, he added.

“Manual scavengers, Group ‘D’ workers in institutions and sanitary workers are seeking, apart from basic amenities and welfare schemes, practical solutions such as regularised employment. All these issues have to be addressed,” he said.

Secretary to Government (Welfare) T.M. Balakrishnan and District Collector G. Ragesh Chandra were also present.

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