Udupi: In a strong step towards social justice, Deputy Commissioner Swaroop T.K. has urged officials to prioritize rehabilitation and welfare benefits for former Safai Karmacharis during the District Level Safai Karmachari Vigilance Committee meeting held in Manipal.
She emphasized strict enforcement of the national ban on manual scavenging and warned of action against anyone violating the law within urban and local bodies. Civic agencies must ensure timely disbursement of wages, ESI, and PF payments to all contract-based sanitation workers.
The Gruhabhagya scheme under the “Housing for All” program was highlighted as a key support system. The DC instructed officers to prepare a proposal to amend eligibility norms so civic workers owning property outside municipal limits can also access housing benefits.
Stressing health and safety, she made the use of protective gear during sanitation duties mandatory. She also instructed officials to guarantee quarterly master health check-ups for all civic workers and to maintain quality standards for refreshments in worker rest houses.
Education support was another focus. Civic workers’ children will receive direct admission to residential schools. Officials have been asked to create awareness about this benefit and submit a progress report in the next meeting.
To boost financial security, enrollment in PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana was made compulsory for all eligible workers.
The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Deputy Director Narayanaswamy and committee members Prashanthi, Nagaraja, Kotribai, and Shankar.