‘Use machines while cleaning manhole’

Natl. Safai Karmachari Commission Chief tells Pourakarmikas

Mysuru: National Commission for Safai Karmacharis Chairman Manhar Valjibhai Zala has asked the Pourakarmikas to compulsorily use machines and other equipment while cleaning manholes.

Zala held separate meetings with Pourakarmika leaders and officials from various Departments at the MCC Hall here on Thursday.

Speaking at the meeting with officials, Zala said that the Union Government has asked the Commission to conduct re-survey on manual scavenging in six districts of Karnataka, of which Mysuru is one. Pointing out that the Centre has ordered a resurvey as there were complaints of manual scavenging, he said that use of machines in cleaning manholes was mandatory. Emphasising on the need for training Pourakarmikas in operating jetting and sucking machines that are used for cleaning manholes, he said that a couple of Pourakarmikas have died in the past 10 years while cleaning manholes.

Zala directed the authorities to pay Rs.10 lakh as compensation to the family of each of the Pourakarmikas who have died while cleaning manholes and also to fill up vacant Pourakarmika posts in the MCC and other local bodies of the district.

Continuing, he said that he found many Pourakarmikas working without gloves and boots. As such, the MCC authorities should ensure that every Pourakarmika is issued quality gloves, boots and other safety equipment.

Highlighting the need for sensitising the officials on Manual Scavenging (Eradication) Act, he asked the senior officials to organise workshops on the Act.

MCC Commissioner G. Jagadeesha said that the MCC was using only machines for cleaning of manholes and no Pourakarmika is engaged for manual scavenging. Jagadeesha also maintained that there were no manual scavenging deaths in city.

Former State Safai Karmachari Commission Chairman Narayan said that the Siddharamaiah Government has completely banned manual scavenging.

Detailing the benefits doled out by the State Government for Pourakarmikas, he observed that all States must put an end to the practise of contract labour and ensure that the services of all Pourakarmikas are regularised.

Pourakarmika leader Manchaiah demanded setting up of exclusive schools and hospitals for Pourakarmikas.

Former Mayor Purushottam, while stating that there was no need for exclusive schools, stressed on the need for inclusivity of Pourakarmika children in both Government and private schools.

Pourakarmika Sangha President N. Maara demanded declaration of UGD workers as Pourakarmikas, one month salary as bonus as a reward for Mysuru city bagging ‘cleanest city’ tag for two successive years, construction of bathing complex in localities and building of Kalyana Mantap for Pourakarmikas.

Zala and the Commission Member Jagadish Hiremani were felicitated on the occasion.

Mayor Bhagyavathi, Commission Advisors Mahendra Prasad and Pooran Singh, MCC Health Officer Dr. M. Ramachandra and Dr. D.G. Nagaraj, DHO Dr. B. Basavaraj, Ambedkar Development Corporation Official  Bharathi, Social Welfare Officer B.S. Prabha Urs, Corporators K.T. Cheluvegowda, SBM Manju, Ramu and Shivanna were present.