Vikal Sharma
Palampur
The Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Caste Commission has issued directions to guarantee minimum and essential facilities for sanitation workers across Kangra district.
A meeting chaired by Commission Chairman Kuldeep Kumar Dhiman was held in Palampur today to review the welfare measures being provided to sanitation workers. Officials from Municipal Corporation Dharamshala, Municipal Corporation Palampur, various municipal councils and committees of Kangra district, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Tanda, Ayurvedic Medical College Paprola (Baijnath), and Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agricultural University, Palampur, were present.
Dhiman emphasized that the Commission’s primary objective is to safeguard the constitutional rights of sanitation workers and ensure effective implementation of welfare schemes at the grassroots level. He directed all municipal corporations, councils, committees, and health institutions to immediately constitute Vigilance Committees for sanitation workers and submit reports on their formation within a week.
He further instructed officials to prevent exploitation of sanitation workers by contractors, particularly regarding minimum wages and facilities. Stressing the need for better living conditions, Dhiman suggested the construction of residential colonies for sanitation workers, similar to those developed by Municipal Corporation Dharamshala. He also called for the provision of high-quality equipment and reflector-fitted uniforms.
Highlighting healthcare needs, Dhiman directed that health camps be organized every six months. He also urged wide publicity of the Maharishi Valmiki Kamgar Awas Yojana, a state government housing scheme for the Valmiki community, so that eligible beneficiaries can avail its benefits.
The Chairman appealed to all officials to work with dedication towards ensuring basic facilities and the overall upliftment of sanitation workers.
Commission members Advocate Vijay Dogra and Advocate Digvijay Malhotra also shared their suggestions during the meeting. Among those present were Additional Commissioner Kangra Vinay Kumar, Member Secretary of the Commission Vinay Modi, and representatives from municipal bodies and health institutions of Kangra district.
