While taking note of the facilities extended to safai karamcharis, Jagadish Hiremani, a member of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK), said more awareness should be created among family members of the workers about assistance provided by the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation Limited (TAHDCO).
While addressing officials of various State government agencies on Monday, he said only 546 applicants had enrolled for financial assistance from TAHDCO, and more awareness about the schemes would pave the way for start-up centres from applicants.
Interaction with workers
He was on a day-long visit to the various facilities in Vellore district. Earlier, he visited the garbage composting centre in Gandhi Nagar, Katpadi, and interacted with conservancy workers. He enquired about the work they carry out, the facilities accorded to them by the Vellore City Municipal Corporation and occupational hazards like health issues pertaining to handling of waste materials.
Later, he visited the new bus stand, that normally turns an eyesore for commuters and visitors. Despite best efforts made by Corporation officials, Mr. Hiremani pulled them up for the lack of sanitation facilities at the bus stand and its poor maintenance.
Mr. Hiremani visited the Government Vellore Medical College Hospital in Adukkamparai, where conservancy workers met him and briefed him about the facilities extended to them.
The Health Department should ensure that closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras are installed in factories in Ranipet and Vellore divisions to guarantee safer environs to the workers, he said.
Meeting held
At a meeting convened at the Collectorate, Mr. Hiremani urged the departmental heads of government agencies to ensure facilities and assistance to workers involved in protecting the community from epidemics, and ensuring a clean environment.
The meeting was presided by Collector A. Shanmuga Sundram. District Revenue Officer J. Partheeban, Superintendent of Police Praveshkumar, District Rural Development Agency Project Director P. Periyasami, Vellore City Municipal Corporation Commissioner S. Sivasubramanian and Adi Dravidar Welfare Officer Venusekaran participated.