The need for sanitary and drinking water facilities and safety gear for conservancy workers was one of the issues emphasised at the consultation meeting on the welfare of sanitation workers chaired by the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Chairman M.Venkatesan, on the Ripon Buildings campus on Friday (March 7, 2025).

Trade union representatives and sanitation workers employed by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and contract agencies participated in the meeting, said a press release.

At the meeting, issues regarding the lack of sanitary facilities, safety gear, and complaints of sexual harassment of women at the workplace were raised, according to sources.

Jothi, a member of Uzhaipor Urimai Iyakkam, pointed out that the paid leave concession for women during their menstruation was not provided and that there was a dearth of proper bathroom and drinking water facilities, besides a lack of masks.

Mohan, from the Iyakkam, submitted a petition to the Commission regarding the NULM workers, who worked for meagre pay during the COVID-19 pandemic and had still not been made permanent by the GCC.

Officials discussed their concerns and received their feedback, the release said.

The Chairman instructed relevant authorities to ensure that the workers were given necessary safety gear, including gloves, footwear, and face masks. He also directed the officials to take necessary steps for the accurate calculation and timely disbursement of wages, the release stated.

Additional Commissioner (Public Health) V. Jayachandra Bhanu Reddy, Regional Deputy Commissioners M.P. Amit (South), K.J. Praveen Kumar (Central), and Katta Ravi Teja (North) were also present.