Himachal Pradesh Commission Advocates for Sanitation Workers' Rights

The Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Caste Commission has taken significant steps to ensure the welfare of sanitation workers in Kangra district. During a recent meeting, Chairman Kuldeep Kumar Dhiman emphasized the need for basic facilities, the formation of Vigilance Committees, and the prevention of exploitation by contractors. He also proposed the construction of residential colonies and the organization of health camps to improve living conditions. This initiative aims to safeguard the rights of sanitation workers and enhance their overall well-being. Read on to discover more about the Commission's plans and recommendations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 17, 2026, 16:48 IST

Ensuring Basic Facilities for Sanitation Workers

Vikal Sharma
Palampur - The Scheduled Caste Commission of Himachal Pradesh has mandated the provision of essential sanitation facilities for workers throughout Kangra district.

A meeting led by Commission Chairman Kuldeep Kumar Dhiman took place in Palampur today to assess the welfare initiatives for sanitation workers. Attendees included officials from the Municipal Corporations of Dharamshala and Palampur, various municipal councils, and health institutions such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College Tanda and Ayurvedic Medical College Paprola (Baijnath).

Dhiman highlighted the Commission's commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of sanitation workers and ensuring the effective execution of welfare programs at the community level. He instructed all municipal bodies and health institutions to form Vigilance Committees for sanitation workers and to report their establishment within a week.

He also urged officials to safeguard sanitation workers from contractor exploitation, particularly concerning minimum wage and facilities. To improve living conditions, Dhiman proposed the development of residential colonies for sanitation workers, akin to those created by the Municipal Corporation of Dharamshala. Additionally, he called for the provision of high-quality tools and reflector-equipped uniforms.

Addressing healthcare, Dhiman requested that health camps be organized biannually. He also emphasized the importance of promoting the Maharishi Valmiki Kamgar Awas Yojana, a housing initiative by the state government aimed at the Valmiki community, to ensure eligible individuals can benefit from it.

The Chairman encouraged all officials to commit to enhancing basic facilities and improving the overall conditions for sanitation workers.

Commission members Advocate Vijay Dogra and Advocate Digvijay Malhotra contributed their insights during the meeting. Present were Additional Commissioner Kangra Vinay Kumar, Member Secretary of the Commission Vinay Modi, along with representatives from various municipal and health organizations in Kangra district.