‘Modi Govt Doing Injustice To Sanitation Workers’: Congress Points To Death In PM Modi’s LS Constituency

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared a media report on X on the death of a sanitation worker due to gas leakage after he descended into a sewer without equipment.

The Congress party has accused the Modi government of perpetuating "injustice" towards sanitation workers and vowed to eradicate the practice of manual scavenging if it comes to power. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted a recent incident involving the death of a sanitation worker in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency due to gas leakage in a sewer, underscoring the urgent need for reform in the sector.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Ramesh emphasised the Congress party's commitment to addressing the plight of sanitation workers. He pledged to put an end to manual scavenging and provide comprehensive rehabilitation to workers engaged in such hazardous activities.

"On 5 April 2024, a sanitation worker in the Prime Minister's own Lok Sabha constituency died due to a gas leak when he entered a sewer without equipment. This is not a new case in Banaras - during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra we were told that in the last ten years more than 25 deaths have occurred in Banaras due to entering sewers. The Modi government is doing such injustice to sanitation workers," he posted.

Ramesh reiterated the party's promise to offer alternative employment opportunities, ensuring a life of dignity and safety for manual scavengers.

Ramesh affirmed that the Congress would strictly enforce the Prohibition of Manual Scavenging Act, 2013, to hold accountable those responsible for employing workers in such deplorable conditions. The party proposed hefty penalties for violators of the law, aiming to create a deterrent against the continuation of manual scavenging practices.

Congress Manifesto Pledges Support For Families Of Sanitation Workers

The Congress pledged to provide a compensation of Rs 30 lakh to the families of sanitation workers who lose their lives while on duty. This measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on affected families and recognise the sacrifice made by sanitation workers in their line of work.

In its manifesto, the Congress outlined plans to allocate sufficient funds for the procurement of modern cleaning equipment to replace manual scavenging. The party also promised to provide free insurance coverage to all sanitation workers, prioritising their safety and well-being. Additionally, the Congress proposed collaboration with state governments to implement comprehensive programmes for underground drainage and safe sewage disposal across towns and municipalities within a ten-year timeframe.