Intro
The DC directed officials to promptly implement manual scavenger welfare schemes, warning legal action for delays, with senior officials present
Kalaburagi
Deputy Commissioner Fouziah Taranum has warned of strict action against local bodies if any instances of manual scavenging are found in the district. She stated that the concerned authorities will be held directly accountable if such cases are reported or complaints are received.
Chairing a district-level meeting at the DC’s office on Wednesday, she emphasized that no individual should be engaged in manual cleaning work under any circumstances, especially in view of issues arising due to unseasonal rains. She directed officials to create awareness among the public about helpline numbers and ensure that sanitation work is carried out strictly using mechanized systems.
Expressing displeasure over delays in the implementation of welfare schemes related to manual scavengers, the DC instructed officials of the Zilla Panchayat and urban local bodies to take immediate steps to extend benefits to eligible beneficiaries. She cautioned that failure to do so would invite legal action. Superintendent of Police Adduru Srinivasulu, Zilla Panchayat Chief Planning Officer S.S. Matapati, Joint Director of Agriculture Samar Patil, and District Urban Development Cell Project Director Munawar Daula, along with other officials, were present at the meeting.
Meanwhile, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Bhavarsingh Meena stressed that funds allocated under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) must be fully utilized. He directed that heads of departments showing poor utilization be issued notices, warning that failure to use the allocated funds would amount to a legal violation. He also instructed departments to return unutilized funds to the government and asked officials who were absent from the meeting to appear before the Deputy Commissioner and provide an explanation.