SHILLONG: The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis which is on a two-day visit to Shillong, has urged the local sweepers to shift to government quarters which have been constructed for them.
It may be mentioned that the State Government has built 84 quarters for the sweepers in the city which presently houses the temporary office of the Shillong Muncipal Board
The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis headed by Valjibhai Zala as its chairman, on Monday held a review meeting with the Chief Secretary and senior officials of the different departments to discuss about the welfare of the sweepers in the city
“They should shift to the quarters which the Government has built as it has better infrastructure and their lives will change,” Valjibhai Zala said while adding that attempts will be made to allocate more quarters to them under the Awaas Yoajana
In addition, the National Commission has also asked the State Government to constitute State Commission for Safai Karamcharis besides a monitoring committee with representation from the sweepers.
During the meeting, many sweepers lamented that part time sweepers were getting a meager amount of Rs 3200 which is too little to for sustenance and the Commission has asked Meghalaya Government to pay them as per the minimum wage of the Labour Act as it will led to the increase in their salary
Meanwhile, the Commissioner also recommended the Meghalaya Government to refer sweepers by other names such as Meghalaya or Shillong beautifiers or Swacchta Sainik and Government has assured of examining the matter.
When asked for a suggestion to keep Shillong city clean, he said that the apart from sweepers, it is the common people of Shillong who should come forward and make their bit in making Shillong one of the cleanest cities.