From: P.Esakkimuthu <ttnuef@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Nov 28, 2010 at 10:31 PM
Subject: [untouchabilityeradicationfront] Order on manual scavenging lacks teeth
To: untouchabilityeradicationfront@yahoogroups.com
Order on manual scavenging lacks teeth
Nalini Ravichandran Express News ServiceFirst Published : 28 Nov 2010 02:18:51 AM ISTLast Updated : 28 Nov 2010 08:23:55 AM IST
CHENNAI: Two years after the Madras High Court an order prohibiting entry of manual scavenging workers into drainages/sewerages to clear blocks, there is yet another GO, issued by the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department on Friday, with no major difference from the original one.
The GO issued on Friday stated that the government would now exercise zero tolerance towards the obnoxious practice, and that it prohibited the practice not only in government but even in the private sector also.
The GO, however, was full of loopholes. According to Samuel Velanganni, state convenor, Safai Karamchari Aandolan, the main problem with the GO was that it did not mention what the penal action for the offender was he said adding that disciplinary action would not deter offenders unless stringent punishment was mentioned.
Moreover, the GO cited four exceptional situations that were the same prescribed by the Madras High Court for persons entering manholes.
These four situations give enough leeway for offenders, said Velanganni. The exceptional situations permitted use of manual labour, safety gears like safety belts, helmets and headlamps.
The four situations were removal of concrete/FRP manhole doors prone to damage to heavy vehicular traffic, inter-linking of newly-laid sewer mains with existing sewer mains, removal of pumps at the bottom of suction wells and reconstruction of the manhole.
Velanganni pointed out that manhole deaths were a recurring phenomenon, inspite of the Madras High Court.
The GO also said orders have been placed for 19 more jet-rodding machines and seven more desilting machines, which were pending delivery. Safety equipment and gears have been procured too. The cleaning and maintenance in all cases have to be done mechanically with the aid of jet-rodding machines, desilting machines, mobile mechanical pumps and other mechanical devices.
source:the express buzz dt 28.11.10
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Palash Biswas
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http://nandigramunited-banga.blogspot.com/
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