Safai workers' panel warns against manual scavenging

The Karnataka State Safai Karmachari Commission has issued directions to the officials of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board to not allow any person to clean the soak pits generally used in the areas newly brought under Palike limits.

Following a review meeting on Tuesday, the Commission said that criminal cases would be registered and non-bailable warrant issued against anyone indulging in manual scavenging.

Commission president Narayan said that at least six sanitary workers have died after inhaling poisons gases in manholes. He said that the members of the deceased workers’ family should be paid a compensation of Rs 10 lakh, according to the Supreme Court directions.He said that of the 462 sanitary workers with BWSSB, nearly 292 work on contract and they had not been given the benefits of ESI and PF. These workers have also been denied of minimum wages and are not issued uniforms and identity cards.