DELHI GOVERNMENT'S FIGHT FOR THE ISSUE:

The Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam who also holds the portfolio of the water department is working for the empowerment of these labourers. The department has announced a complete ban on manual scavenging and also issued an order against the contractors. The government approached the Lt Governor Anil Baijal to direct the police to arrest the contractors responsible for the recent deaths. The police have arrested contractors and also some engineers of the Delhi Jal Board for alleged connection with the contractors.

The L-G directed 100% mechanisation of manual scavenging, while Minister Rajendra Gautam approached some organisations like Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DICCI) to fund these manual labourers to buy the equipment, using which they can continue the profession but without physically doing the work. CM Arvind Kejriwal has approved the plan.

Taking inspiration from Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), Delhi government might put to use the specially designed mini-jetting machines developed in Hyderabad. There are talks of studying the drainage and sewage system of the city to decide whether the mini-jetting machines can be used or new models must be developed for cleaning sewage as an alternative to manual scavenging.

With the new plan of providing aid and equipment, people like Chotu may get a better life with an assurance of much better health.