Strict action to be taken against those forcing manual scavenging work: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

In Short

• Sewer cleaning to be carried out only through municipal corporations or registered agencies

• State Monitoring Committee meeting held under Chief Minister’s chairmanship

Raipur: Taking a firm stand against inhuman practices, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai directed strict action against those forcing individuals into manual scavenging.

Chief Minister directed that strict action be taken against individuals who force people into manual scavenging. He instructed that clear guidelines be issued for sewer cleaning, stating that such work must be carried out only through municipal corporations or registered agencies. He also emphasised that all safety protocols must be strictly followed during cleaning operations to prevent any untoward incidents.

These directions were issued in the State Monitoring Committee meeting organised at the Assembly premises regarding effective implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 under the Scheduled Caste Development Department.

Expressing deep condolences over the death of three workers during septic tank cleaning at a private hospital in the state, the Chief Minister Shri Sai said, “All possible assistance should be provided to the affected families and strict action must be taken against those responsible to prevent such incidents in future.”

On the occasion, Principal Secretary of Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development Department Sonmoni Borah informed that the Act provides for punishment against those who force manual scavenging, including imprisonment up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 50,000. He added that awareness campaigns are being conducted in urban areas.

It was informed that this was the first meeting after the reconstitution of the State Monitoring Committee. Borah said that, in compliance with Supreme Court guidelines, a survey on manual scavengers has been conducted across all districts, and all district collectors have certified their areas as free from manual scavenging, which is a matter of pride for the state. He emphasised that the practice is against human dignity and constitutional values, and appreciated the coordinated efforts of Panchayat & Rural Development, Urban Administration and other departments in eliminating the practice.

The meeting also reviewed the proceedings of the previous meeting held in 2018. Further, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order dated October 20, 2023, the re-survey report received from the Urban Administration Department was discussed and approved by the State-level Survey Committee.

The meeting was attended by Cabinet Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, MLAsi Punnulal Mohle and Doman Lal Korsewada, Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Pingua, Secretary Panchayat & Rural Development Bhim Singh and Secretary Urban Administration Basava Raju, along with other officials.