Pune: Following recent allegations of manual cleaning of nullahs during pre-monsoon works, the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) has joined the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) in seeking action from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). The NCSK, operating under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has directed the civic chief to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter.
Inquiry Committee to Be Formed
Municipal commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi informed TOI that the civic body will establish an inquiry committee to examine the allegations and submit a report to the commission. He stated, “Instructions have already been issued to the health department and contractors to ensure strict compliance with all safety norms and use of mechanised cleaning methods. They have been directed to exercise utmost caution and warned of action in case of any violation.”
NCSK Raises Concerns Over Safety Violations
In a letter addressed to Suryawanshi on Thursday, NCSK member Karam Singh Karma highlighted that the commission received complaints, representations, photographs, and reports alleging that sanitation workers were deployed for sewer, drain, and nullah cleaning operations under hazardous conditions. The allegations pointed to a lack of adequate mechanisation, protective equipment, and statutory safeguards. The commission noted serious concerns over compliance with the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and other safety regulations.
Karma stated that the material placed before the commission prima facie suggested that safai karamcharis were engaged in hazardous work without adequate safety gear. The commission also found the explanation submitted by PCMC’s deputy municipal commissioner (health) during a recent hearing unsatisfactory. It has asked the municipal commissioner to personally examine the allegations and submit a detailed report within two weeks.
Complaint Filed by Activist
The complaint was filed by Sagar Charan, national legal advisor of the Akhil Bharatiya Safai Mazdoor Sangh. He alleged that the civic body and its contractors violated safety norms while carrying out pre-monsoon desilting operations. “I submitted around 25 to 30 complaints along with photographs and evidence to the commission over the last two to three months, highlighting that even basic safety gear was not being used by workers engaged in cleaning work,” he said.
Details Sought on Safety Equipment and Training
The NCSK has also sought details regarding the availability of safety equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, breathing apparatus, and other protective gear, as well as information on safety training imparted to workers. Additionally, the commission has asked the civic administration to conduct a special inquiry into the role of contractors involved in sanitation works and verify whether they are complying with statutory norms. The commission suggested that contractors found violating the rules should face legal action and financial penalties of up to Rs 5 lakh.
Action Against Officials
In the letter, Karma stated that if the inquiry reveals negligence, dereliction of duty, administrative lapses, misconduct, suppression of facts, failure of supervision, or violation of statutory obligations by any official, including deputy municipal commissioner (health) Pradip Thengal, appropriate disciplinary, departmental, and legal action should be initiated.
Earlier NCSC Action
Earlier, on June 12, the NCSC had also sought a report from the PCMC on similar allegations and warned that failure to furnish the required information within two weeks could result in summons being issued to civic officials for a personal appearance before the commission.
