Udupi: For the comprehensive empowerment of safai workers, the state government has appropriated Rs. 85 crore, said S Mareppa, Chiarperson of the Karnataka Safai Karmachari Development Corporation.
While addressing media persons during the press meet at DC office court, he said that he has directed the officers concerned to identify the eligible beneficiaries. He added that the safai workers working in private organizations would also be given identity cards.
Civic workers serving on contract basis across the state are not getting minimum wages, he said. He further stated that the contractors do not provide PF or any other benefits to the workers. He has directed the officials to suspend such contractors and blacklist those who fail to provide minimum wages.
Chief Minister Siddaramaih has decided to set aside Rs. 100 crore for their welfare. The karmachari’s children can avail educational loans and other financal aid from banks.The Safai Karmacharis Development Corporation have several schemes for the welfare of the safai Karamchris including development of colonies, entrepreneurship development, skill enhancement, direct loans scheme, housing schemes and other benefits.
Compared to other districts in the state, Udupi has lesser issues of sanitation and manual scavenging does not exist here.
The Safai Karmacharis are being provided various facilities through the Ambedkar Development Corporation.
There are around 1.50 lac identified safai karamcharis in the entire country however, it is estimated that there are about 2.5 lac safai karmacharis.
G. Anuradha, Additional Deputy Commissioner and other officers were present at the press meet.
