The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : High Court seeks action plan to eradicate manual scavenging

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Tuesday, Jun 21, 2011
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

High Court seeks action plan to eradicate manual scavenging

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: The High Court Division Bench comprising Chief Justice J.S. Khehar and Justice H.G. Ramesh on Monday directed the State Government to submit an action plan based on the suggestions given by the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA) to eradicate the practice of manual scavenging in the State.

The KSLSA report had pointed out that there is no underground drainage (UGD) facility in 56 municipal councils, 66 town municipal councils and 13 city municipal councils.

The report recommended stopping of the practice of outsourcing the work of maintenance of sewerage system.

Ranganath summoned

State Chief Secretary S.V. Ranganath rushed to the High Court on Monday following an “express” direction by a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice J.S. Khehar.

In the morning, the Bench had directed the Principal Secretary, Forest Department, to appear before it at 2.30 p.m. When he did not come, the Bench directed the government advocate to ask the Chief Secretary to appear before the Bench by 4.30 p.m.

Following this, Mr. Ranganath, top officials of the Forest Department, Additional Advocate-General, rushed to the court and tendered an apology for the lapse.

Reacting to this, the Bench directed the Chief Secretary to streamline the system and assist the court effectively while observing that it would be better to shut the court if the Government does no render proper assistance. The matter was related to carving a monolithic, 712-ft.Buddha statue in Ramanagam district in a forest area.

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