Mumbai: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of reports alleging that sanitation workers under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are being forced to work without basic safety equipment such as masks, gloves, and gumboots.
In a strongly worded order, SHRC Chairperson Justice A.M. Badar observed that if the allegations were true, they would amount to a gross violation of the workers’ fundamental rights. The Commission has issued a notice to the Municipal Commissioner, directing him to submit a fact-finding report within four weeks.
The SHRC has also warned that failure to comply will result in the Commissioner being summoned personally to record his evidence.
The suo motu action follows a tabloid report claiming that contractual conservancy labourers in BMC’s C Ward were working in hazardous conditions without protective gear. The report further alleged that workers who raised concerns were threatened with transfers.
The Commission has fixed the next hearing for September 22, instructing concerned officials to appear fully prepared with their reports.
