by Robinson Buriuly
During my foray into research sewer worker in Delhi I found out various discrepancies in slogan of Nirmal Bharat by our Government. They are the people who continuously strive for solving the sewage problems in the city despite all the harassment and struggle they have to go through.
Commonly called as Beldars these contractual workers of the DJB (Delhi Jal Board) are working without identification and also without the requisite health benefits and safety equipment. Not providing Identification cards saves the DJB and the contractor from taking any responsibility of their death or health hazards. As I proceeded with my survey I found out that they are working on contract for several years and yet they have been given a permanent employee status. They have been getting no health benefits, although they are working in the most toxic circumstances. There have been deaths but neither the contractor nor the Government has given any compensation. A fascinating fact came out from further inquiries; they have not seen the contractor from years.
The workers do not even have equipment like litmus paper to check the presence of toxic gases in sewer. These toxic gases are a major cause of deaths and health problems. What is more disturbing is that after coming from work they aren’t provided with soaps or a washroom to take a bath. Most of these workers belong to the Valmiki community and most of them reported problems relating to their eyes and skin. As they are not provided with any means for conveyance to work, they are left with little, if any, savings. The workers undergo departmental health check ups every six months. However, the medical reports provided by the departmental health checks up are farce and state their health to be fine every time. When these workers take tests at private clinics they are realize that they are facing various medical ailments. To get suitable treatment, they have to take money out of their own salaries, as the government provides no reimbursements.
A pertinent need is to look into the basic needs of the workers working to ensure jam free sewers.