Chairman of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, Manhar Valjibhai Zala highly appreciated the welfare measures and initiatives taken by the State for safai karmacharis in Sikkim.
He also expressed his immense happiness on given respect to safai karmacharis as ‘Gangtok Beautifiers’ in the State.
He mentioned to take these welfare measures and practices in Sikkim to other states of India.
Zala is presently on his four-day long official visit to Sikkim. He reached Gangtok on Monday evening.
He interacted with safai karmacharis of Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) and conducted series of meetings in the capital on Tuesday.
Addressing a press conference at GMC conference hall, Zala mentioned that during the interaction it has been found that safai karmacharis do not have any issue and grievance and happy with the facilities and welfare measures provided by the GMC.
He stated that Sikkim was the only State in India where safai karamcharis have not registered even a single grievance with the Commission.
He also expressed his happiness on no registration of any death of safai karamcharis in Sikkim while cleaning potholes and sewers like some cases in other states.
While stressing upon the important role of safai karmacharis in keeping the area neat and clean at the cost of their health and life, Zala mentioned that GMC has taken an exemplary welfare measures by provided them good uniform and facilities along with education expenses, medical facilities and even minimum wages to temporary staffs on the right time.
He encouraged then safai karmacharis to continuously work hard to keep Sikkim neat and clean.
“Safai Karmacharis are the backbone to fulfil the vision of the Prime Minister of Swacch Bharat. But it is not only the work of safai karmacharis but everybody of the country need to join this mission of cleanliness to make Swacch Bharat,” Zala said.
He congratulated the Chief Minister, Mayor and the people of Sikkim for keeping Sikkim neat and clean.
He also appreciated that Sikkim was not only neat and clean but naturally blessed.
He also urged GMC to apply Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Jeewan Jyoti Bima Yojna and regularization of casual Gangtok Beautifiers.
It is informed that GMC presently has 169 Gangtok Beautifiers in which 16 were permanent and other were working on daily wages.
Likewise, Mayor Shakti Singh Chaudhary mentioned about health insurance and other welfare measures for Gangtok Beautifiers and their family members.
He also mentioned that a proposal for municipal cadre has been sent to the government and when it would be passed then it would open doors for them in promotions.