District, state level committees to check use of manual scavenging in maintenance work

The Delhi government has formed a state level and district level vigilance committees to monitor illegal use of manual scavengers and ensure proper implementation of the Prohibition of Employment Manual Scavengers act in the Capital.

“Both the committees will ensure proper implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act of 2013,” said Delhi Water Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam.

He said that the state level committee will be headed by the Chief Minister of Delhi.

The Minister further informed that the committee will include people from various strata of society, such as representatives of safari karmacharis association, members of the SC/ST communities, banks, social workers, Cabinet ministers, secretaries and civic bodies.

The district level committees will be headed by the District Magistrate.

“This committee will hold their meeting every six months and give directions to the governments,” Gautam said.

He added that these committees will directly coordinate with the Delhi Jal Board to form a guideline.

Their main objective will be to ensure that contractors in Delhi are not using manual scavengers for maintenance and cleaning work.

If, in an unavoidable situation, manual labourers are used, it will have to be assured that they are using proper equipment.

The government will also ensure that only registered contractors are given permission to take up contracts for cleaning of sewers.

“This committee will ensure that every sanitation worker gets training about the security measures,” the Water Minister said.

Gautam elaborated that all sanitation workers should have proper training for working in sanitation tanks, conditions inside, precaution and use of equipment.

The vigilance committees will also ensure that a representative of Delhi Jal Board is be present at the time of the maintenance work and that no such work takes place without prior information being given to the Board.

“If any violation of these guidelines happens, then the government will take action against people as mentioned in the act,” Gautam said.

The Minister noted those found guilty could face imprisonment up to five years and will need to pay hefty fines.