Mysuru: The Karnataka State Government will sponsor foreign trip to 1,000 Pourakarmikas for them to learn about latest technologies used in keeping the cities clean, said Social Welfare Minister H. Anjaneya.

He was speaking after inaugurating the valedictory of month-long cultural camp ‘Naavu Pauraru Mahapauraru’ organised by Adi Dravida Tamate Mathu Nagari Samskruthika Kala Vrunda for the children of Paurakarmikas in front of Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple here yesterday.

Stating it was an offence to make Pourakarmikas get into the manhole, Minister Anjaneya said that the foreign tour will enable Pourakarmikas to learn the technologies involved cleaning the UGDs.

“People involved in cleaning the cities are treated with immense respect in foreign countries. But, in our country such people are not even spoken to,” he added.

Anjaneya also said that the children of Pourakarmikas must be brought to the mainstream by providing them education and other facilities. “There is a need to identify their talent and encourage them to come up in life. It is also important for us to protect artistes who make musical instrument using skin. The State Government is extending a lot of benefits to promote,” he added.

The Minister also added that the Department had ordered the State Safaikarmachari Commission to release the funds for the month-long cultural camp conducted by the Kala Vrunda.

Karnataka Nataka Academy former Chairman Srinivas G. Kappanna, Mayor M.J. Ravikumar, State Safaikarmachari Commisson Chairman M.R. Venkatesh, Secretary Dr. Nataraj, former Mayor Purushotham, Film Director T.S. Nagabharana, actor Sundarraj and others were present.

The children also presented Mallakamba, Nagari, Mime Show and other folk-based cultural programme during the event.