New Delhi, Oct 22 Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar on Thursday reviewed measures for the welfare, rehabilitation, occupational safety and empowerment of sanitation workers at a meeting with officials of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK).
The meeting discussed ways to improve working conditions, ensure occupational safety and promote the socio-economic empowerment of sanitation workers.
Kumar emphasised the need for appropriate training to enhance their skills, promote safe working practices and enable them to undertake sanitation-related activities with dignity and security.
He also stressed the need to create widespread awareness about the provisions and benefits of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme to ensure that more eligible beneficiaries across the country can avail themselves of its benefits.
The minister underscored the importance of providing eligible sanitation workers with mechanised equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) kits to minimise occupational risks and eliminate unsafe sanitation practices.
He said the provision of such equipment must be accompanied by proper use, regular maintenance and periodic monitoring to ensure its continued functionality and effectiveness.
Kumar also stressed the need for strict implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and the associated rules.
He urged the NCSK to continue its efforts to protect the rights and dignity of sanitation workers and coordinate with the concerned authorities to ensure that welfare measures and government schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries.
NCSK chairperson Bhagwat Prasad Makwana, members Manoj Kumar Balmiki, Ravi Ramu Kalose and Sushma Gaudiyal, along with joint secretaries of the concerned departments of the ministry, attended the meeting.
(PTI News)
