Lucknow: Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, Government of India, Hardeep Singh Gill, has called for ensuring dignity, rights, and timely welfare benefits for sanitation workers, stressing that their grievances must be addressed on a priority basis by all concerned departments.
Chairing an important review meeting at the VVIP Guest House auditorium in Naimisharanya during his visit to Lucknow district, Gill reviewed various issues related to the welfare, safety, social dignity, economic empowerment, and compensation of sanitation workers. The meeting focused on key concerns including the non-availability of safety equipment and incidents of deaths during sanitation work.
He directed officials from all departments to adopt a positive and proactive approach in resolving the issues raised by safai karamcharis and to ensure that complaints are addressed with top priority. He emphasized that sanitation workers play a vital role in maintaining public hygiene while often working under difficult conditions themselves.
Gill urged officials to ensure effective implementation of welfare schemes run by both the Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh for sanitation workers. He said that wide publicity of these schemes must be undertaken so that all eligible beneficiaries are brought under their coverage and receive timely benefits.
During the meeting, the Vice Chairman noted that manual scavenging has been officially banned; however, concerns remain regarding compliance. He highlighted that recent incidents, including three reported deaths, are being reviewed by the Commission. He pointed out that despite Supreme Court directives and provisions under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, enforcement gaps persist.
He expressed concern that safety equipment is still not being provided in several cases, leading to preventable fatalities, and instructed officials to take immediate cognizance of such violations. He also directed that compensation to the families of deceased workers must be ensured within 15 days.
Gill further stated that monitoring committees must hold regular meetings every three months to ensure effective implementation of welfare measures and timely disbursement of compensation within stipulated timelines, ideally within 20 days. He also mentioned that the central government provides free safety kits, and awareness campaigns should be organized through dedicated camps to inform sanitation workers about their rights and entitlements.
He strongly emphasized that no discrimination or neglect against sanitation workers on the basis of caste, community, or social status can be tolerated. Calling upon officials, he said that ensuring basic rights and facilities for safai karamcharis should be treated as a moral and administrative responsibility.
Gill also highlighted the need for focused attention on the health, education, and medical welfare of sanitation workers and their families, noting that society must ensure adequate recognition and support for their contribution.
Concluding the meeting, he thanked all officials for their participation and cooperation, reiterating the government’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of sanitation workers across the country.
