Avinash Azad
In response to a question raised by MLA Dr. Bharat Bhushan in the Assembly regarding Safai Karamcharis, the government informed that 7,353 Safai Karamcharis, are currently working in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing another query by the MLA on steps being taken to regularize the services of Safai Karamcharis, who have been working for 10 to 15 years, the government stated that only a few are engaged as casual labourers in the department. It emphasized that the government follows a pro-labour policy within the ambit of the law.
The policy of regularization, it added, is under review in light of the Supreme Court’s judgment in State of Karnataka vs. Uma Devi, wherein the apex court ruled that any policy of regularization through executive orders, statutory orders, or legislative enactments violates Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution of India.
On the issue of welfare measures for the families of Safai Karamcharis, particularly in terms of housing and education for their children, the government responded that under the NAMASTE scheme, sanitation workers have been provided with PPE kits, gumboots, gloves, masks, and other protective gear to ensure their safety while on duty. However, the government did not answer about the education and housing schemes.
