M Venkatesan, Chairman of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, recently chaired a meeting focused on improving the lives of sanitation workers. A key highlight of the discussions was the urgent need for a life insurance policy, specifically a Rs 10 lakh cover, to provide financial security for their families in the event of an unfortunate incident.
During the meeting, Venkatesan urged departmental officers and outsourcing agencies to ensure sanitation workers receive essential benefits. These include appropriate wages, ensuring they have access to a provident fund (EPF), and drastically improving their working conditions. He also emphasized the importance of issuing detailed identity cards to all workers. These cards would contain crucial information such as EPF and ESI numbers, blood group details, emergency contact information, and insurance policy details.
Furthermore, the Chairman informed attendees about the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC). Through this corporation, sanitation workers can potentially access loans of up to Rs 50 lakh with subsidies. These funds would be specifically for purchasing sanitation-related equipment and vehicles. He directed authorities to organize awareness camps to comprehensively inform workers about these available benefits.
Beyond financial and equipment support, Venkatesan stressed the importance of providing comprehensive employee benefits. He insisted that sanitation workers must receive paid leave, adequate uniforms, protective shoes, necessary cleaning kits, annual health checkups, and performance-based bonuses. To address any workplace concerns effectively, he called for the establishment of grievance redressal committees. These committees would be responsible for addressing various issues, including the prevention of sexual harassment.
Venkatesan actively engaged with sanitation workers and union leaders, listening to their concerns and understanding their challenges. He instructed officials to take immediate action to resolve the issues raised. In addition, he encouraged sanitation workers to contact the Commission directly at 011-24648924 to report any complaints or grievances.
