Increase posts of sanitation worker, says Anjna Panwar

Anjna Panwar, vice-chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, called for an increase in the number of posts for sanitation workers to ensure more effective cleaning operations during a review meeting on the Employment of Manual Scavengers Prohibition and Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

She emphasised the need for community buildings in sanitation workers’ residential areas, with plans to set up libraries in these spaces. Panwar stressed that pension-related documents for sanitation workers should be prepared six months before their retirement.

She also urged local bodies to conduct health check-ups for sanitation workers twice a year and to form societies for their deployment. Regular monthly meetings should be held to address the workers’ issues. Additionally, she highlighted the need for repairs in government accommodations for sanitation workers and called for their employment in their original positions.

Panwar directed the Police Department to expedite investigations concerning sanitation workers and mandated that outsourced workers employed by Shimla’s Municipal Corporation be given free medical check-ups, group insurance and proper deductions as per their pay slips. She also reaffirmed that manual scavenging is strictly prohibited under the 2013 Act, and state governments must ensure rehabilitation for identified manual scavengers.

Further, Panwar called for strict adherence to providing uniforms and safety equipment for all sanitation workers, including those employed through outsourcing agencies. Salary disbursements must be ensured between the 1st and 7th of every month, and outsourced agencies will be held accountable for timely payments. Identification cards must be issued to all sanitation workers, containing essential details like their names, blood groups, PF numbers and ESI numbers.

Lastly, she insisted that officials absent from the meeting would face strict action, deeming their absence unacceptable.