The Minister was speaking after an inspection of the manholes at Ashoknagar in the town. He said that alternative jobs would be provided to those involved in carrying night soil and cleaning of manholes. Those getting the manholes cleaned by others would also face action, Kumar said.
He also spoke to Babu, Marthamma, Aruna and Susheelamma, workers involved in the job. They told him that it had been passed on to them through generations. The Minister said that there were sucker machines in the City Municipal Council and they should be utilised for the purpose of cleaning the manholes.
Kumar said efforts would be made to provide profitable jobs to one member in each of the families of those involved in the job. There was no provision in the law to provide them permanent jobs, he added.
He also promised financial help through the Dr Ambedkar Corporation for self-employment of the families.
Published 22 June 2011, 18:36 IST