Union Ministry Directs Probe into Jaipur Sewer Worker Deaths, Invokes Anti-Manual Scavenging Law
The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has issued a directive to the Jaipur district collectorate, ordering a thorough investigation into the tragic deaths of two workers who lost their lives while cleaning sewers in the Jhotwara zone of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation on April 17. This action follows a report published by a leading newspaper on April 18, which highlighted the incident and prompted immediate governmental intervention.
Ministry Cites Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act, 2013
In a formal letter issued on Tuesday, the ministry explicitly invoked the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. The ministry emphasized that hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks is strictly prohibited under Section 7 of this legislation, with violations subject to penalties under Section 9. This legal framework is designed to eradicate the dangerous practice of manual scavenging and protect workers from life-threatening conditions.
An official from the district collectorate confirmed, "The district collector has been asked to investigate the incident, ensure strict compliance with the law, and initiate action against those responsible for engaging workers in hazardous sewer cleaning in violation of the Act. We have already started the proceedings."
Exceptions and Compliance Requirements Under the Law
The ministry further clarified that Section 3 of the Act permits manual sewer cleaning only in rare and exceptional circumstances. Even in such cases, permission must be granted by the chief executive officer of the local authority, who must record specific valid reasons in writing before any such work can proceed. This stringent requirement underscores the government's commitment to minimizing risks and adhering to safety protocols.
Enhanced Compensation for Families of Deceased Workers
In addition to the investigation, the ministry referenced recent Supreme Court orders that have increased compensation for sewer-related deaths from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 30 lakh. Officials from the Jaipur Municipal Corporation stated that the local self-government department will provide Rs 30 lakh each as compensation to the families of both deceased workers. Furthermore, each family has already received Rs 10 lakh from the contractor firm involved, Rs 10 lakh from the JMC, and an additional Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, totaling significant financial support during this difficult time.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing labor safety laws and the critical need for stricter oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future. The ministry's proactive response aims to ensure accountability and reinforce the legal protections afforded to workers under the 2013 Act.
