Kalaburagi: Deputy commissioner Ikram Sharif has directed officials to ensure that all civic workers wear prescribed safety gear, including gloves, while on duty, stressing that their health and safety cannot be compromised. He also instructed the chief officers of local bodies to strictly monitor compliance.Chairing the second quarterly meeting of civic workers (sanitation workers) at the DC’s office on Monday, Sharif noted that some workers were handling garbage with bare hands, claiming that gloves caused discomfort due to sweating.He said the use of safety equipment is an essential part of the job and no exemptions should be permitted. Officials were directed to remove sanitation workers from duty if they fail to wear the mandatory protective gear.Sharif further instructed officials to convene ward-level meetings immediately to enforce the rule. He said civic workers must undergo health check-ups every three months, besides an annual master health check-up, to safeguard their wellbeing.An extensive discussion was held on eradicating manual scavenging and improving worker safety across the district. To eliminate the manual handling of excreta, officials discussed providing compact suction and jetting machines to town panchayats that do not have underground drainage (UGD) systems.During a review of development and self-employment schemes for civic workers, the DC expressed displeasure over the delay in implementing schemes from the 2022-23 financial year, which remain pending even after four years. Noting that the schemes are being implemented successfully in 29 districts across the state, he questioned why Kalaburagi alone was lagging behind.Sharif warned officials that strict action would be taken against those who fail to show commitment in executing welfare and development programmes meant for civic workers.
