The People’s Cultural Center (PECUC) in collaboration with German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) organised a workshop on Monday here on the theme “empowering workers namely sweepers/scavengers in unorganised sector on safety, social security and skill development.”
Around 120 participants including 90 scavengers/sweepers engaged by the BMC and the contract service holders participated. The intention was to ensure that such workers get smart with safety, health and skill development techniques and equipment etc. It was also to promote a harm free, disease free work environment and spread awareness.
The speakers focused on various preventive measures, social security measures, programmes for children and women, accessing various services, schemes and programmes, health and accident related facilities, etc. Former Minister Panchanan Kanungo speaking on the occasion underscored the need for convergence and proper coordination amongst all stakeholders.
City Health Officer, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Dr Ram Chandra Rout told that personal and protective equipment and preventive vaccination would be provided soon for scavengers and sweepers. Regional Director ,Employees State Insurance Corporation Jamir focussed on registration under ESI and Provident Fund to access the entitlements.
Head of Indo German Focal Point Bimal Kumar Sahu briefed on the purpose of the programme and focused on plight of scavengers and remedial measures.
The programme was presided over by PECUC secretary Ranjan Kumar Mohanty. Among others Deputy Director,Factories and Boilers(Safety) Dr Malaya Pradhan, Biraja Mohapatra, Suryakant Swain, Dillip Kumar Mishra and Satyanand Behera were present.