The Hindu - Kerala 19.08.2009

Schemes for women sanitation workers

Special Correspondent

Thiruvananthapuram: The government is planning to implement several welfare schemes for women engaged in the removal of solid waste.

Local Self-Government Minister Paloli Mohammed Kutty said here on Monday that an expert committee headed by Sanitation Mission Director Dr. Ajaykumar Varma had been appointed to study the work and health challenges being faced by the women. Its recommendations had been accepted by the Government and steps had been taken on the basis of them.

It had been decided to provide apron, gloves and mask to the workers. An insurance scheme which would provide for the payment of Rs.1 lakh in the event of death or disability due to accident would be implemented for them. Health cards would be provided to them and they would be subjected to medical check-ups. A minimum net income of Rs.2,500 a month would be ensured in their case. A welfare fund would also be set up.

An additional annual expenditure of Rs.2.06 crore would have to be incurred for covering the 2,177 members of the 255 Kudmbasree units in 23 urban bodies. It would be shared on an equal basis by the urban body and the unit concerned.