Chittoor – Andhra Pradesh: Safai Karmachari Commission Chairman M Venkatesan emphasized the need for timely payment of minimum wages and improved welfare measures for sanitation workers, during a review meeting with district officials in Chittoor on Friday.
Review of sanitation workers’ issues in Chittoor
At a review meeting held at the Chittoor District Secretariat, M Venkatesan, Chairman of the Safai Karmachari Commission, and officials, including District Collector Sumit Kumar and SP Manikanta Chandolu, discussed the challenges faced by sanitation workers in the district. The meeting was attended by various district officers, RDOs, and municipal commissioners.
Minimum wage compliance and direct payment
During the meeting, Venkatesan lauded the development that sanitation workers in Chittoor district are receiving wages directly rather than through third-party agencies. However, he noted discrepancies in salary payments to sanitation workers at the Chittoor district government hospital and urged officials to ensure that all workers are paid according to government regulations.
Focus on health, safety, and benefits
Venkatesan also emphasized the need for health security, provident fund (PF), and insurance facilities for sanitation workers. He urged the district administration to organize awareness programs on the KFDC scheme and instructed the lead bank manager to provide loans up to Rs 2 lakh without collateral for eligible workers.
District Collector’s action plan
District Collector Sumit Kumar assured that the administration is working to address the concerns raised during the review. He noted that issues related to sanitation workers, including discrepancies in pay and inadequate medical services at the district hospital, were already brought to the attention of officials during last month’s SC and ST Vigilance and Monitoring Committee meeting.
Formation of women’s committees for workplace issues
The district collector, in response to concerns about problems faced by women sanitation workers, proposed the formation of committees comprising female officers to address their grievances. The chairman suggested that these initiatives be displayed on notice boards to raise awareness among workers.
Joint Collector G Vidhyadhari, Social Welfare Officer Rajyalakshmi, DM&HO Dr. Prabhavathi Devi, DCHS Dr. Prabhavathi, Housing PD Padmanabham, and LDM Harish also attended the meeting. Municipal Commissioner Narasimha Prasad, RDOs Srinivasa Rao, Srinivasulu, and Venkat Reddy were present, along with DVMC Member Rajakumar and Ex-DVMC Member Srirangapally Munuswamy. Participants discussed regular salary payments, provision of uniforms and sandals, establishment of ESI hospitals in Chittoor, and allocation of house plots for sanitation workers.
The chairman assured that the commission will continue to address these issues at the collector level, with regular medical camps to be organized every three months.
Buddhist Society leaders meet Commission Chairman
Chittoor District RPI (BA) leaders Partha Sarathy, DVMC Member Rajakumar, Buddhist Society of India Chittoor General Secretary Chittibabu, and All India SC/ST United Center Andhra Chief Secretary Srirangapally Munuswamy met with Safai Karmachari Commission Chairman M Venkatesan as a courtesy gesture.
