From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 29: All urban local bodies in Karnataka, including BBMP, have been asked to mechanise the entire process of cleaning and waste management using sucking machines and other latest equipment.

This was decided at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Rathna Prabha in Bengaluru on Friday.

She instructed the Rural Development and Panchayath Raj Department to mechanise the entire process of cleaning and waste management strictly.

The equipment required for the mechanised cleaning would be given to the organisations for Safai Karmacharis at subsidised rates.

Employment opportunities for the Safai Karmacharis would be created through user fee contribution method.

The meeting also decided to implement minimum wages provision for the Safai Karmacharis/loader/drivers.

Other monetary/social security benefits such as PF and ESI would also be extended to them.

As per Section 12 of Manual Scavenging Prohibition Act 2013, the identification and rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers was a continuous process, said an official note issued by the State Government.

It was decided to provide adequate supply of protective gears required for the Safai Karmacharis.

The Rural Development and Panchayath Raj Department was requested to direct all the local bodies will provide these safety equipment without fail.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Safai Karmachari Commission, Urban Development Department and Social Welfare Department.

It was decided to adequately fund the organisations of Safai Karmacharis through credit extended by the Karnataka State Safai Karmacharis Development Corporation.

It was decided to give sale deeds to Safai Karmacharis who are residing for long in the houses constructed by local bodies.

The Urban development Department has been asked to change the present ratio of one Safai Karmacharis for 700 people to process the same.

It was decided to bring Safai Karmacharis under the ambit of Universal Health Scheme. It was also done away with identification of 200 foreign universities for the higher education of SC/ST students and they would be made eligible to apply to any university.

The problems and grievances of Safai Karmacharis and schemes under the social welfare department were also discussed.