(a) the number of labourers died while working in the sewer line and septic tanks during the last three years;
(b) the details of such accidents and deaths, Statewise;
(c) the detail of the facilities being provided to the labourers and the parameters being applied during the cleaning of sewer line and septic tanks; and
(d) the details of action taken on these types of accidents?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND URBAN AFFAIRS
(SHRI HARDEEP SINGH PURI)
(a) and (b) : State-wise details of deaths while cleaning sewers and septic tanks during the last three years and current year, as reported by the States and Union Territories (UTs) to National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK), are at Annexure-I.
(c) : Facilities provided to the labourers and safety parameters being applied during cleaning of sewer lines and septic tanks are as under :
(i). Under the “Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (PEMS&R) Rules, 2013”, obligation has been imposed on the Employer to provide safety gear and safety devices, cleaning devices towards employees who are engaged in cleaning of sewer or septic tanks. Employer has to ensure that the assigned person has life insurance policy of at least ten lakh Rupees and the premium for which shall be paid by the employer. These Rules are to be complied by all the employers who engage persons for cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
(ii). National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) organized 500 workshops in municipalities on safe cleaning of sewers and septic tanks and also create awareness about the provisions of PEMS&R Act and Rules, 2013 regarding employer’s obligations to provide safety gear/equipment and ensure safety precautions.
(iii). NSKFDC is also implementing a scheme, Swachhta Udyami Yojana under which loan up to Rs. 50 lakh is provided to the municipalities for purchase of equipment/vehicles for mechanized cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
(d) : State wise details of action taken on sewer death accidents of sanitation workers since 1993 to 31.01.2020 as reported by States to NCSK are at Annexure-II.
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