Govt okays relief in over 1,223 cases of safai workers’ deaths

New Delhi, Aug 23 (IANS) The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) has approved compensation to 1,223 Families out of 1,377 reported cases of sewer and septic tank deaths across the country, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.

The commission receives more than 1,200 complaints annually and takes up matters with the Government Departments, Local Bodies and other institutions concerned for appropriate action and resolution

NCSK celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day at the Constitution Club of India in the National Capital on Sunday. The day-long programme was attended by over 900 Safai Karamcharis, a large number of representatives of Central, State and UT governments, Urban Local Bodies, Public Sector Organisations, civil society organisations and other stakeholders working for the welfare, dignity and safety of Safai Karamcharis.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Law & Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal said the foundation day was not merely a celebration of an institution’s journey; it was also an occasion to honour the contribution of millions of sanitation workers who keep the country’s cities, villages, institutions and public spaces clean and safe every day.

He emphasised the complete elimination of hazardous manual cleaning and maximum use of machines for cleaning sewers and septic tanks.

The minister said that the sanitation workers must receive training, safety equipment and social-security support, while accountability must be ensured in every accident or death. Assistance, compensation and rehabilitation must reach affected families in a time-bound manner.

Meghwal said that as India advances towards becoming a developed nation, its sanitation system must likewise become modern, scientific, technology-driven and fully aligned with human dignity and no human life should be put at risk for work that a machine can perform safely.

The minister reiterated that the national goal must be clear: zero hazardous manual entry; zero sewer and septic-tank deaths; complete mechanisation; and a dignified and safe life for every sanitation worker.

Meghwal also released the NCSK missed-call facility number for all the stakeholders so that the Commission could follow up with the callers to register their grievances, issues and representations to be taken up for resolving the same in a time-bound manner.

–IANS

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