Mangaluru : Chairman of National Commission for Safai Karamacharis M. Shivanna has warned Mangalore City Corporation officials to provide health and safety kits to the labourers involved in drainage works in the area and directed to discontinue manual scavenging in MCClimits. He meanwhile warned of initiating stern action against the erring officials.

Chairing in a review meeting with officials and safai karmachari organisations at Mangalore City Corporation on Thursday, Shivanna said that the MCC should use only sucking and jetting machines to clean drains, UGDs and should not deploy safai karmacharis for manual scavenging.

He warned of initiating action by booking non-bailable case against the officials who encourage manual scavenging, which will attract a non-bailable punishment and a fine of Rs one lakh to Rs five lakh and imprisonment for one year to five years.

Shivanna said that the present condition of safai karmacharis in all states of the country will be reviewed by him and the related report will be submitted to the central government. In Karnataka, he is visiting all districts.

Shivanna directed MCC Bunder ward Health Inspector Nirmala to take immediate action towards laying under ground drainage connection in the area.

Shivanna maintained that in MCC limits there should be a sucking machine for a population of every 10,000.

In the meanwhile, MCC official said that there are four sucking machines and four jetting machines with MCC and a proposal for three more has been submitted to the government.

He directed the Mayor to identify a land towards quarters for safai karmachiris in MCC limits. Mayor replied a land has already been identified near Suratkal for the same.

The National Commission Chairperson further said that the safai karmacharis should be compulsorily provided with a safety kit containing uniform, gum boots, mask, hand gloves, cap, apron etc and it should be seen to that the workers use it compulsorily.

The materials should be sterilised before use. He added that three officers have been suspended in Coimbatore railway station for not providing safety kit.

The contractors who are employing safai karmacharis on temporary basis, should provide them PF and ESI benefits. Those who don’t, blacklist such contractors. Shivanna directed to conduct health check-up of the family members of safai karmacharis once in six months.

Speaking about the benefits to the safai karmacharis, Shivanna said that the government will provide medical assistance to the workers.

Also their children will be provided scholarships and reservation of seats in educational institutions. During manhole deaths, the family of the dead will be provided with a compensation of Rs 10 lakh.

He said he has spoken to the Chief Minister and Social Welfare minister to abolish contract system and permanently recruit safai karmacharis.

A demand for the cabinet approval has been made towards the same, he said and added that the state government is considering to provide brunch to safai karmacharis.

He instructed Ambedkar Development Corporation Director and Social Welfare department deputy director to carry out awareness camps in Dalit colonies on the adverse effects of manual scavenging.

MCC Mayor Mahabala Maarla, Deputy Mayor Kavitha Hoigebazar, MCC Commissioner in charge Gokul Das Nayak and members of Poura Karmika Association were present.