Puducherry Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Rules, 2024.

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La Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry

The Gazette of Puducherry

PART - II

➢ EXTRAORDINAIRE EXTRAORDINARY

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▪   2025 } | 7 { No. 38 Poudouchéry Mercredi 7 Mai 2025

No. Puducherry Wednesday 7th May 2025

(17 Vaisakha 1947)

GOVERNMENT OF PUDUCHERRY

LOCAL ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

No. 4676/LAD/PPS/P1/2024/09.

Puducherry, dated 04th April 2025.

NOTIFICATION

In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (2) of

Section 36 of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers

a n d t h e i r R e h a b i l i t a t i o n A c t , 2 0 1 3 ( C e n t r a l A c t 2 5 o f 2 0 1 3 ) ,

the Lieutenant-Governor, Puducherry, hereby makes the following Rules,

namely:—

[ 659 ] 660 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

THE PUDUCHERRY PROHIBITION OF EMPLOYMENT AS

MANUAL SCAVENGERS AND THEIR REHABILITATION RULES, 2024

CHAPTER – I

GENERAL

1. Short title and commencement.— (1) These rules may be called the Puducherry Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Rules, 2024.

(2) It shall come into force from the date of publication of this

Official Gazette.

2. Definitions.— (1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise

requires,–

(a) "Act" means, the Prohibition of Employment as Manual S c a v e n g e r s a n d t h e i r R e h a b i l i t a t i o n A c t , 2 0 1 3 ( C e n t r a l Act 25 of 2013);

(b) "Cleaning device" includes but not limited to the equipments referred to in rule 5, whether manually or mechanically propelled which can be used to:–

(i) clean or enable the transport or flow of sewage in sewers

or seepage from septic tanks; and

(ii) avoid direct manual contact with such sewage or material.

constituted under rule 17 of these Rules.

(d) Employer" means, an individual or a Local Authority or an agency or a contractor/agency who has engaged persons for cleaning, carrying, disposing of, or otherwise, the waste water/ sewage in the machine holes or septic tanks or drainage;

(e) "Enumerator" means, any person engaged by a Local Authority for the purpose of survey or verification of manual scavengers.

(f) "Executive Authority" in relation to a Municipality or Commune Panchayat or any organisation, means its senior most

Executive Officer, by whatever name called;

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PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(g) "Government" means, the Administrator of the Union territory of Puducherry appointed under Article 239 of the Constitution.

(h) "Hazardous cleaning" by an employee, in relation to a sewer or septic tank, means its manual cleaning by such employee without the employer fulfilling his obligations to provide protective gear and other cleaning devices and ensuring observance of safety precautions, as may be prescribed or provided in these rules or any other law, for the time being in force or rules made there under;

(i) "Insanitary latrine" means, a latrine which requires human excreta to be cleaned or otherwise handled manually, either in situ or in an open drain or pit into which the excreta is discharged or flushed out, before the excreta fully decomposes in such manner as may be prescribed:

Provided that a water flush latrine in a railway passenger coach, when cleaned by an employee with the help of such devices and using such protective gear, as the Central Government may notify in this behalf, shall not be deemed to be an insanitary latrine;

(j) "Inspector" means, a person appointed as Inspector by the

Government under sub-section (1) of Section 20 of the Act;

(k) "Manual Scavenger" means, a person engaged or employed on or after the date of the commencement of the Act or at any time thereafter, by an individual or a Local Authority or an agency or a contractor, for manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of, or otherwise handling in any manner, human excreta in an insanitary latrine or in an open drain or pit into which the human excreta from the insanitary latrines is disposed of, or on a railway track or in such other spaces or premises, as the Central Government or a State Government may notify, before the excreta fully decomposes in such manner as may be prescribed, and the expression "manual scavenging" shall be construed accordingly.

Explanation.– For the purpose of this clause,–

(i) "engaged or employed" means, being engaged or employed

on a regular or contract basis;

662 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(ii) a person engaged or employed to clean excreta with the help

of such devices and using such protective gear, as the

Central Government may notify in this behalf, shall not be

deemed to be a "manual scavenger";

(l) "Nodal Officer" means, an Officer designated so under these

rules;

(m) "Overseer" means, an Officer engaged by a Local Authority

to exercise the powers and perform the duties under these rules.

(n) "Protective Gear" means, personal safety gear and safety

devices that are to be provided, worn or used by safai karamcharis

or sanitary workers in respect of cleaning of sewers and septic

tanks that may be necessary for the specific nature of work to be

carried out, as including and not limited to the materials referred

to in rule 4 to,–

(i) avoid any exposure of human skin to substances, which can

lead to diseases, along with all breathing equipment which

prevents inhalation of gases which can lead to diseases,

and, also includes any sensory equipment for detection of

gases present inside the sewers or septic tanks;

(ii) avoid any injuries while carrying out cleaning work;

(o) "Safai Karamcharis" or "Sanitation Worker" means, any

person engaged in or employed for any sanitation work, other than

domestic work;

(p) "Safety Precautions" shall include, but not be limited to, the

precautions referred to in rule 7 and all steps necessary to reduce

the risk to the person and to avoid contraction of diseases and

injuries by the person engaged in cleaning of sewers and septic

tanks due to exposure to sewage or any other material in any

physical state (solid, liquid or gas) inside the sewers or septic tanks

and while entering sewers or septic tanks;

(q) "Septic Tanks" means, a water-tight settling tank or

chamber, normally located underground, which is used to receive

and hold human excreta, allowing it to decompose through

bacterial activity;

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PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(r) "Sewer" means, an underground conduit or pipe for carrying

off human excreta, besides other waste matter and drainage wastes;

(s) "State Level Survey Committee" means, the Committee

constituted under rule 15 of these rules;

(t) "Survey" means, a survey of manual scavengers undertaken

in pursuance of Section 11 or Section 14 of the Act.

3. The words and expressions used and not defined in these rules

but defined in the Act, shall have the same meaning as assigned to them

in the Act.

CHAPTER-II

OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYER TOWARDS EMPLOYEES

ENGAGED IN THE CLEANING OF SEWER OR SEPTIC TANK

4. (1) No person shall be allowed to clean a sewer manually,

without protective gear and safety devices under these rules, except.—

(a) for the removal of concrete or FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic)

or damaged machine hole door where mechanical equipments

cannot be put into operation;

(b) for inter-linking the newly laid sewer main with the existing

sewer main, in case of sewer size of more than 300 mm diameter;

the suction wells.

(d) for the reconstruction of the machine hole or rectification

of the sewer main.

(e) Any circumstance, when it is absolutely necessary to have

manual sewage cleaning, after the Executive Authority of the Local

Authority has permitted to do so after recording in writing the

specific valid reasons for allowing such cleaning.

(2) For the purposes of clauses (c) and (d) of sub-rule (1),

before allowing entry of a person in the sewer, sewage shall be totally

emptied.

664 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

5. Protective gear and safety devices.— Any person engaged to

clean a sewer or a septic tank shall be provided by his employer,

protective gear and safety devices including, but not limited to the

following:–

(i) Air compressor for blower;

(ii) Air line breathing apparatus;

(iii) Air line respirator with manually operated air blower;

(iv) Air purifier gas mask/chin cortege;

(v) Artificial respiration/Reticulate;

(vi) Barrier caution tape;

(vii) Barrier cream;

(viii) Barrier cone;

(ix) Blower;

(x) Breath mask;

(xi) Breathing apparatus;

(xii) Caution board;

(xiii) Chlorine mask;

(xiv) Emergency medical oxygen resuscitator Kit;

(xv) First aid box;

(xvi) Face mask;

(xvii) Gas monitor (4 gases);

(xviii) Guide pipe set;

(xix) Full body wader suit;

(xx) Fishing wader suit attached with boots;

(xxi) Hand gloves;

(xxii) Head lamp;

(xxiii) Helmet;

(xxiv) Helmet demolishing;

(xxv) Lead acetate paper;

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PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(xxvi) Life guard pad;

(xxvii) Modular airlines supply trolley system;

(xxviii) Normal face mask;

(xxix) Nylon rope ladder 5 meters;

(xxx) Nylon safety belt;

(xxxi) Pocket book;

(xxxii) Port oxy;

(xxxiii) Raincoat;

(xxxiv) Reflecting jacket;

(xxxv) Safety belt;

(xxxvi) Safety body clothing;

(xxxvii) Safety body harness;

(xxxviii) Safety goggles;

(xxxix) safety gumboots;

(xl) Safety helmet;

(xli) Safety showers;

(xlii) Safety torch;

(xliii) Safety tripod set; and

(xliv) Search light;

6. Local Authority to ensure cleaning devices to be used for

cleaning sewer or septic tanks.— The Local Authority or Officer

designated shall ensure that the following cleaning devices are used by

persons engaged in cleaning sewer or septic tank including but not

limited to the following:–

(i) Sewer Line Cleaning Bucketing Machine;

(ii) Jetting Machine;

(iii) Suction Machine (Gulley Emptier);

(iv) Combined Machine (Jetting-cum-Suction);

666 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(v) Deep Suction Combined Machine (Jetting-cum-Suction

Machine);

(vi) Manual Hand Operated Grab Bucket;

(vii) Hydraulic Operated Trolley Mounted Grab Bucket;

(viii) Truck Mounted Motor and Winch Operated Grab Bucket

Machine;

(ix) Fixed Structure Mounted Motor and Winch Operated Grab

Bucket Machine;

(x) Rickshaw Mounted Winch and Motor Operated Desilting

Machine for Wet well;

(xi) Rickshaw Mounted Winch and Auxilliary Engine Operated

Desilting Machine for Machine hole;

(xii) Escort Hydra Crane Mounted Hydraulic Winch Operated

Grab Bucket Desilting Machine;

(xiii) Manual rods, shovels, spades, drainage cleaning machines

and steel scrapers with handles; and

(xiv) Hoses and washing instruments;

7. Safety precautionary measures to be taken before cleaning.—

(1) All protective gear and safety devices under these rules shall be

checked every six months and necessary repair or replacements shall

be made by the employer, who engages a person for cleaning a sewer or

a septic tank.

(2) Comfortable body suits shall be made available to the worker

who has to enter the sewers/septic tanks for their cleaning. The employer

shall provide full body suits to workers entering machine holes of depth

more than five feet and alternatively, partial fishing water body suits to

those entering machine holes of depth less than five feet.

(3) The employer or the contractor shall also ensure the

following safety precautions before a person is engaged in the cleaning

of a sewer or a septic tank, namely:–

(a) There shall be a minimum of three employees present all the

time, one of whom shall be a supervisor;

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PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(b) The atmosphere within the confined space shall be tested for oxygen deficiency and toxic and combustible gases including but not limited to poisonous gases like Hydrogen Sulphide, Carbon Monoxide, Methane and gasoline vapours, through detection tests including the following:–

(i) lowering a detector lamp into the machine hole;

(ii) inserting wet lead acetate paper which changes colour in

the presence of hazardous gases;

(iii) detection of gases through gas detector masks.

(c) Before starting the cleaning under sub-rule (1), the supervisor referred to in clause (a) of sub-rule (3) has to be inspected and determined if, the sewer serves any industry nearby to anticipate any hazardous atmosphere that may be encountered.

(d) The condition of metal-rung ladders and the side walls of the machine hole shall be checked to see if there is any danger of collapse.

(e) Traffic and pedestrian barricades are provided all the times.

(f) A flag man shall be stationed at least 50 feet ahead of a site

and shall be visible to incoming traffic for at least 500 feet.

(g) Regular medical check-up of sewage workers which shall include the examination of respiratory organs, skin injuries and other occupational diseases and injuries for their treatment to ensure that sewage workers afflicted with such diseases or injuries do not enter sewers for cleaning.

(h) Regular vaccination against respiratory and skin diseases and other occupational diseases to which these workers are prone due to exposure to harmful substances and gases in sewers.

(i) All employees who are present on-site during the cleaning work are given training and adequately familiarized with the knowledge to operate all equipments involved in the cleaning work, to avoid injuries or diseases associated with such work and to take necessary steps in case of emergency arising at the place of work and the training shall be conducted every two years and the employees shall be familiarized with any changes in method and technique with respect to the above.

668 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(j) The supervisor possesses and keeps handy the names,

addresses and telephone numbers of the nearest hospitals or

clinics.

(k) Cleaning of a sewer or a septic tank shall be done:–

(i) only in day-light; and for a duration not exceeding 90

minutes, at a stretch. There shall be a mandatory interval

of 30 minutes between two stretches.

(l) Identify and close off or re-route any lines that shall carry

harmful substances to, or through, the work area.

(m) Ensure that written operating and rescue procedures are

displayed at the entry site.

(n) If, the entry is made through a top opening, use a housing

device with a harness that suspends a person in an upright position

and a mechanical device shall be available to retrieve personnel

from vertical spaces more than five feet deep.

(o) At least one person trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary

resuscitation shall be immediately available during any confined

space job.

(p) Oxygen content in the machine hole shall be at least 19.5%

in the confined space of the machine hole measures at all levels

(bottom, middle and top) and no person enters the machine hole if

oxygen level is below 19.5% and more than 21%.

(q) Ventilate the sewer line by opening at least two or three

machine holes on both sides where work is to be carried out.

(r) Machine hole shall be opened at least one hour before the

start of operation.

(s) The opened machine hole shall be properly fenced or

barricaded to prevent any person, especially children, from

accidentally falling into the sewer. Dummy cover with welded fabric

or wire-net shall be used.

(t) All workers must use the safety gear and safety devices

before entering the sewer line.

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PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(u) The person entering the machine hole or sewer line shall

be monitored using signal or camera or CCTV, etc., throughout the

operation period.

(v) Structural safety of machine hole rungs or steps shall be

tested before entering the machine hole.

(w) Portable aluminum ladder shall be available during the work

period where necessary and the portable ladder shall be properly

seated or fixed during use.

(x) No material or tools shall be kept near the edge which can

fall into the machine hole and injure the workman.

(y) Equipment used during sewer cleaning shall be

non-exploded and fire-proof.

(z) Smoking, open flames are prohibited inside the machine hole

as well as in the immediate vicinity of open machine holes.

(aa) In the event of a sudden or unpredictable atmospheric

change, an emergency escape breathing apparatus with at least 10

minute air supply shall be worn.

8. Safety precautions measures at the time of cleaning.— The

employer or contractor shall ensure the following safety precautions at

the time when the person is engaged in the cleaning of a sewer or

a septic tank:–

(a) Portable fans and air blowers with batteries, in good working

condition with a backup capacity of more than the estimated duration

of the entry of the person in the sewer, shall be carried into sewers for

ventilation and a ventilation source shall be installed at the mouth of

the machine hole.

(b) Flashlights and communication devices such as two-way

radios shall be carried into sewers.

(i) A tripod and harness system or some other method to lift

an injured worker to the surface with skill and care.

670 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(ii) A basket stretcher or similar device shall be available for

moving the injured worker to emergency transportation.

(iii) First aid equipments as given in Annexure-I and trained

personnel shall be immediately available.

(d) The employer or contractor shall ensure availability of ambulance and other follow-up in close proximity to facilitate immediate treatment.

(e) The employer or contractor shall ensure that the assigned person has life insurance policy of at least ten lakh rupees and the premium for which shall be paid by the employer or contractor as the case may be.

9. Post-cleaning safety precautions.— The employer or contractor shall ensure the following post-cleaning safety precautions after a person engaged in the cleaning of a sewer or a septic tank comes out of the machine hole or septic tank after a session of cleaning:–

(a) Provide facilities for removal of contaminated clothing and

for wash-up as well as cleaning, dry clothing.

(b) Wash-up material shall include but not be limited to water, soaps, hand sanitizers and adequate and medically authenticated skin cream for applying on the body for post cleaning safety.

(c) Any cuts/bruises on the skin or problems with a respiratory organ suffered on account of cleaning of sewer shall be immediately cured.

CHAPTER – III

SURVEY OF INSANITARY LATRINES AND MANUAL SCAVENGERS

10. Survey of Insanitary Latrines.— (1) Every Local Authority shall draw a suitable time schedule for carrying out survey of insanitary latrines within its jurisdiction and the publication of their list.

(2) The Local Authority shall take the assistance of the community leaders and Non-Governmental Organizations working in the area for the welfare of the Safai Karamcharis or sanitary workers, on the existence of insanitary latrines in the area under its jurisdiction.

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PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(3) Any complaint filed by any person including a Non-Governmental Organization, regarding the construction, maintenance or use of insanitary latrine, shall be inquired by the Local Authority within fifteen days of filing the complaint.

(4) The Local Authority shall constitute a Committee under its Executive Authority with at least two members from the community of Safai Karamcharis or sanitary workers, one of whom shall be a woman and at least one member from the civil society groups.

(5) The Committee referred to in sub-rule (4) shall plan and monitor the survey and ensure that an awareness campaign is carried out simultaneously with the survey that is conducted.

(6) The Executive Authority of the Local Authority shall prepare an initial list of insanitary latrines existing in his jurisdiction and display the same at the notice-board of the office of the Local Authority and publish in two local daily newspapers, inviting the objections, specifying the date by which the objections, if any, to the list, shall be received.

(7) The Local Authority shall cause to hold a meeting on the due date as specified to hear the complaints and objections received on the initial list and approve the final list of insanitary latrines.

(8) The final list of insanitary latrines shall be prepared and published by the Local Authority which shall display the same at the notice-board of office of the Local Authority and publish in two local newspapers, one of which shall be in the vernacular language.

(9) The Local Authority, within fifteen days of final publication of list of insanitary latrines, shall serve a notice on the occupier of the insanitary latrine to either demolish such insanitary latrine or convert it into a sanitary latrine within a period of six months.

(10) A copy of such notice referred to in sub-rule (9) shall be

sent to the Inspector.

(11) The notice referred to in sub-rule (9) shall include information regarding the Schemes of the Central and the State Governments which entitle the beneficiaries to incentives for the demolition of insanitary latrines or conversion to sanitary latrines; and other information regarding the eligibility to avail the benefits under

those Schemes and the procedure for availing such benefits.

672 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(12) The Committee referred to in sub-rule (4) shall submit the survey report to the District Magistrate, who, or any Department designated by him for this purpose, in turn, shall submit the consolidated reports of all Local Authorities under his jurisdiction to the State Level Survey Committee.

(13) The State Level Survey Committee shall furnish the report of the survey to the Central Ministry/Department dealing with the Schemes for conversion of insanitary latrines into sanitary latrines for the urban and rural areas.

(14) The eligible beneficiaries under the relevant Schemes of the Central Government or the State Government shall apply for the admissible financial assistance under such Schemes.

(15) After the expiry of the period under sub-rule (9), the Local Authority shall have the premises of the occupier of insanitary latrine inspected.

(16) If, the occupier has neither demolished nor converted the insanitary latrine into a sanitary latrine, the Local Authority shall order for its demolition and recover the cost from the occupier, as an arrears of land revenue.

11. Survey of Manual Scavengers.— (1) If, any Local Authority has reason to believe that some persons are engaged or employed in manual scavenging within its jurisdiction, the Executive Authority of such Local Authority shall cause a survey to be undertaken to identify such persons. The Local Authority shall ensure that the persons conducting the survey of manual scavengers shall be adequately and appropriately trained by the Local Authority on the method and manner in which the survey shall be conducted and sensitized on the issue of manual scavenging.

(2) The State Level Survey Committee and the District Level Survey Committee shall carry out adequate campaigns at various levels especially in all such areas where insanitary latrines have been found during the survey of insanitary latrines.

(3) The Local Authority shall also associate community leaders or Non-Governmental Organizations working for the welfare of Safai Karamcharis or sanitary workers in identification of manual scavengers.

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PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(4) The Local Authority shall invite manual scavengers through awareness campaigns to declare themselves at the self-declaration centres and have their details verified during a period and at places, which shall be notified by the Local Authority.

(5) The lists of manual scavengers, if provided by the Non-Governmental Organisations or any other person or agency, shall be fully verified to identify manual scavengers.

(6) In case, there is a discrepancy between the data of insanitary latrines or the number of manual scavengers thrown up by any person or organisation, the Local Authority shall order a house-to- house survey of insanitary latrines by the enumerators to know the names of manual scavengers servicing those insanitary latrines.

(7) The Local Authority shall also make efforts to identify manual scavengers by visiting the habitations of concentration of Safai Karamcharis, sanitary workers or manual scavengers.

(8) Sample checks of the work done by the enumerators shall be carried out by overseers designated for the purpose by the Local Authority, on the basis of random selection to the extent indicated below:–

(i) 100% check in villages.

(ii) 100% check in cities and towns having less than 1000

households with insanitary latrines.

(iii) 50% of the declarations, verified by each enumerator, shall be checked in towns or cities having 1000 to 9999 households with insanitary latrines.

(iv) 33% of the declarations, verified by each enumerator, shall be checked in towns/cities having 10000 or more households with insanitary latrines.

(v) in categories (iii) and (iv), if sample check of the work done by any enumerator reveals an error of >10%, a 100% check of his work shall be carried out by the supervisor.

(9) Any person having objection either to the inclusion or exclusion of any name in the provisional list of manual scavengers in pursuance of the Act, may within a period of fifteen days from the provisional publication, file an objection in the prescribed format specified by the concerned Local Authority.

674 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(10) The Local Authority shall also notify the manner of

publication of the said list during the survey of manual scavengers

carried out under the Act.

(11) The Local Authority shall get the objections enquired into

and hold a meeting, if necessary to finalize the list of manual scavengers

in its jurisdiction.

(12) After publication of the final list by the Local Authority,

no claim or objection on the list shall be accepted for being included or

excluded in the list, provided that the manual scavenger shall be entitled

to give self-declaration about his being a manual scavenger.

(13) The District Collector shall notify a Designated Officer not

below the rank of Tahsildar or Block Development Officer for inquiring

into claims and objections received and giving their findings and the

inquiry conducted by the designated authority shall ensure that: -

(i) the claimant or objector is given adequate opportunity to

be heard;

(ii) the claimant or objector is given not less than seven days

notice about the date of summary hearing as provided under

sub-rule (15);

(iii) the claimant or objector shall be allowed to support his

claim with documentary evidence, if any, as provided under

sub-rule (14);

(iv) the claimant or objector shall have the right to be

represented by a lawyer, Non-Governmental Organization, or

a friend; and

(v) the claimant or objector shall be given a copy of the Order

passed by the Designated Authority as provided under

sub-rule (17).

(14) Forms for filing claims and objections under these rules

shall be made available to the Applicants free of charge on demand at

the designated place, as also through the website of the Local Authority

and the claimant or objector may support his claim with documentary

evidence, if any.

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PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(15) Summary hearings shall be conducted by the Officers

designated by the Local Authority.

(16) The officer designated to verify the claims may order fresh

verification, if necessary.

(17) After summary hearing and such further verification

(if ordered), the officer would pass an appropriate order, accepting or

rejecting the claim or objection, as the case may be and a copy of the

order would be given to the persons concerned.

(18) After settlement of claims and objections by the Designated

Authority, the Local Authority shall carry out necessary corrections in

the draft list and transmit it to the District Level Survey Committee for

its consideration.

(19) The District Level Survey Committee shall cause

compilation of lists of manual scavengers received from each Local

Authority, town and prepare a list of manual scavengers for the District

and the District Collector shall forward the same to the Government.

(20) The Government shall have the lists of manual scavengers

received from various Districts, compiled and prepare a consolidated

State list of manual scavengers.

(21) Any person working as a manual scavenger, shall

self-declare either during the survey undertaken by the Local Authority,

or any time thereafter, apply to the Executive Authority of the Local

Authority, or to any other Officer authorised by him in this behalf, for

being identified as a manual scavenger in the prescribed Pro forma.

Format of the Application is given at Annexure-II.

(22) There shall be no minimum age-limit for identification of

manual scavenger and there shall be no restriction regarding the caste

or religion or income or gender for being identified as manual scavenger.

(23) For the purposes of sub-rule (22), a person shall have been

engaged or employed as manual scavenger at the commencement of the

Act or thereafter and shall have worked as such continuously for not

less than three months.

676 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(24) A provisional list of identified manual scavengers as

verified by the overseers, shall be published by the concerned Local

Authority in local newspapers and displayed in its own office and at

such other places as deemed appropriate.

(25) A copy of the provisional list shall be made available to

members of the Local Authority and the Non-Governmental Organizations

or community leader of Safai Karamcharis or sanitary workers.

(26) While publishing the provisional list, the Local Authority

shall call upon the members of the public to file claims and objections

vis-a-vis the list, within a period of not less than fifteen days, in

a pro forma notified by the Local Authority.

(27) After the approval of the final list by the District Level

Survey Committee, it shall be duly published at the notice-boards of

concerned offices and the final list shall also be uploaded on the website

of the District Administration and the Government.

12. Financial Assistance to manual scavengers.— The identified

manual scavengers, one from each family, shall be eligible for receiving

one-time cash assistance of 40,000 (Rupees forty thousand only)

immediately after identification.

CHAPTER–IV

POWERS OF THE INSPECTOR AND NODAL OFFICER

13. Inspector.—(1) If, an Inspector has reason to believe that an

offence under Section 5 or sub-section (2) of Section 6 or Section 7 of

the Act has, or is, or is likely to take place, he shall conduct inspection,

investigation or enquiry.

(2) If, the offence pertains to the construction, maintenance or

use of an insanitary latrine, the Inspector shall report to the Local

Authority, which shall thereafter take action as per the provisions of

the Act.

(3) If, the offence pertains to the employment of manual

scavengers, the Inspector shall send a report to the Local Authority as

well as to the District Magistrate.

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PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(4) The Local Authority shall take steps to include the name of

a manual scavenger found to be employed in the final list of manual

scavengers, whether during survey or any time thereafter, and once the

name of a manual scavenger is added to the final list, the manual

scavenger shall be rehabilitated under the provisions of the Act.

(5) If, it appears to the Inspector that hazardous cleaning of

sewer or septic tanks is being resorted to, the Inspector shall order to

stop such hazardous cleaning forthwith and shall report the matter to

the Local Authority.

(6) The Inspector shall examine any structure, site, place or

premises within his jurisdiction, when there are reasons to believe that

any such premises is being used or has been used or about to be used

for hazardous cleaning of sewer or septic tank.

(7) The Inspector shall take on the spot or otherwise such

evidence of any person which he may consider necessary for the purpose

of any examination or enquiry connected with insanitary latrines or

hazardous cleaning of sewer or septic tank:

Provided that such person shall not be compelled to answer

any question or give any such evidence tending to incriminate him.

(8) The Inspector shall take or caused to be taken any

photograph, video clip, sample, record or make any sketch by using any

device including electronic device as he may consider necessary for the

purpose of any examination or enquiry under these rules.

(9) On finding that a Local Authority, person or agency is

engaging in or employing a person in hazardous cleaning, the Inspector

shall instruct such Authority, person or agency to stop such undertaking

of cleaning immediately and shall serve a notice in a form annexed as

Annexure-III to these rules.

14. Nodal Officer.— (1) The Commissioners of the respective

Municipality, the Commissioners or Executive Authorities of respective

Municipalities and Town Panchayats and the Assistant Director of

Panchayats of the District in respect of the Panchayats concerned shall

be designated as the Nodal Officers.

678 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(2) The Nodal Officers shall report the details of sewer or septic

tank deaths, compensation paid, etc., in their respective jurisdiction to

the District Vigilance Committee on or before 7th day of every month in

the form given in Annexure–IV to these rules.

CHAPTER–V

CONSTITUTION OF SURVEY COMMITTEES AND ITS

FUNCTIONS

15. Constitution of State Level Survey Committee.— There shall

be a State Level Survey Committee for the State with the following

composition namely:–

1. Development Commissioner, Puducherry. . . Chairman

2. Secretary, Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled . . Member-

Tribes Welfare, Puducherry. Secretary

3. Secretary, Local Administration Department, . . Member

Puducherry.

4. Director, Economics and Statistics, Puducherry. . . Member

5. Regional Director, Census Operations, . . Member

Government of India.

6. One Representative of Railway Authority to be . . Member

nominated by the Southern Railways.

7. Two Representatives of NGOs working for Welfare . . Member

of Manual Scavengers and Safai Karamcharis to be

nominated by Government of Puducherry.

8. Two Community Representatives of whom one shall . . Members

be woman to be nominated by the Government of

Puducherry.

16. Functions of the State Level Survey Committee.— (1) The

functions of the State Level Survey Committee shall be–

(a) To monitor and oversee the survey process at the State level;

(b) To distribute the materials for awareness campaign to the

designated place;

679

PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

about the survey;

(d) To distribute translated survey material to the designated

place under its jurisdiction;

(e) To approve the final list of manual scavengers for all

Commune Panchayats and Villages in the Union territory of

Puducherry;

(f) To publish the final consolidated list of the manual

scavengers in the Union territory of Puducherry.

17. Constitution of District Level Survey Committees.— There shall

be a District Level Survey Committee in the Government of Puducherry,

with the following composition namely:–

Puducherry District

1. District Magistrate, Puducherry.

. . Chairman

2. Regional Administrator, Mahe.

. . Member

3. Regional Administrator, Yanam.

. . Member

4. Director, Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled Tribes . . Member-

Welfare, Puducherry

Secretary

5. Director, Local Administration Department, . . Member

Puducherry.

6. Director, Economics and Statistics, Puducherry. . . Member

7. One representative of Railway Authority to be . . Member

nominated by the Southern Railway.

8. Up t o two r eprese ntati ve of Non-Go vernment . . Member

Organizations working for welfare of Manual

Scavengers and Safai Karamcharis to be nominated

by the District Magistrate, Puducherry.

9. Up to two community representatives of whom one . . Members

shall be a woman to be nominated by the District

Magistrate, Puducherry.

680 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

Karaikal District

1. District Magistrate, Karaikal.

. . Chairman

2. Assistant Director, Adi Dravidar Welfare and . . Member-

Scheduled Tribes Welfare, Karaikal. Secretary

3. Deputy Director, Local Administration Department, . . Member

Karaikal.

4. Deputy Director, Department of Economics and . . Member

Statistics, Karaikal.

5. One representative of Railway Authority to be . . Member

nominated by the Southern Railway.

6. Up to two representative of Non-Government . . Member

Organizations working for welfare of Manual

Scavengers and Safai Karamcharis to be nominated

by the District Magistrate, Karaikal.

7. Up to two community representatives of whom one . . Members

shall be a woman to be nominated by the District

Magistrate, Karaikal.

18. Functions of the District Level Survey Committees.— (1) The

functions of the District Level Survey Committee shall be–

(a) To monitor and oversee the survey process at the District

Level;

(b) To distribute the materials for awareness campaign to the

designated place;

about the survey;

(d) To distribute the translated survey material to the designated

place under its jurisdictions;

(e) To approve the final list of manual scavenges for all towns,

cities and villages in the District; and

(f) Publication of final consolidated list of the manual

scavengers in the District.

681

PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

CHAPTER–VI

STATE MONITORING COMMITTEE

19. Constitution of State Monitoring Committee.— There shall be

a State Monitoring Committee with the following compositions namely:

1. Hon'ble Chief Minister, Government of Puducherry. . . Chairperson,

Ex officio.

2. Hon'ble Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare and . . Member,

Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department, Puducherry. Ex officio.

3. Representative of National Commission for . . Member,

Schedule Caste and Safai karamcharis. Ex officio.

4. Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly . . Member,

(Embalam).

Ex officio.

5. Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly . . Member,

(Ossudu).

Ex officio.

6. Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly . . Member,

(Nettapakkam).

Ex officio.

7. Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly . . Member,

(Thirubuvanai).

Ex officio.

8. Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly . . Member,

(Nedungadu).

Ex officio.

9. Secretary to Government, Home, Puducherry. . . Member,

Ex officio.

10. Secretary to Government, Adi Dravidar Welfare . . Member,

and Scheduled Tribes Welfare, Puducherry. Ex officio.

11. Secretary to Government, Local Administration, . . Member,

Puducherry.

Ex officio.

12. Director-General of Police, Puducherry. . . Member,

Ex officio.

13. Director of Local Administration Department, . . Member,

Puducherry.

Ex officio.

14. Commissioner, Pondicherry Municipality. . . Member,

Ex officio.

682 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

15. Commissioner, Oulgaret Municipality. . . Member,

Ex officio.

16. Not more than four social workers belonging to . . Members

organization working for the prohibition of Manual Scavenging and Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers, or representing the Scavenger Community, resident in this Union Territory, to be nominated by the Government, two of whom shall be women.

17. State level head of the convener Bank of the . . Member,

State Level Banker's Committee. Ex officio.

18. Director, Adi Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled . . Member-

Tribes Welfare Department, Puducherry. Secretary, Ex officio.

20. Duties and Responsibilities of State Monitoring Committee.— The State Monitoring Committee constituted under sub-section (1) of section 26 of the Act shall observe the following procedure in regard to the transaction of business in its meetings:–

(a) The State Monitoring Committee shall meet at least once in six months and shall observe such rules of procedure in regard to the transaction of business in its meetings.

(b) To monitor and advice the Government and the Local

Authorities for effective implementation of this rules;

(d) To look into any other matter incidental thereto or connected

therewith for implementation of this rules.

21. Constitution of District Vigilance Committee.— There shall be a District Vigilance Committee with the following compositions namely.–

Puducherry District

1. District Collector, Puducherry.

. . Chairperson, Ex officio.

2. Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly . . Member,

(Embalam).

Ex officio.

683

PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

3. Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly . . Member,

(Ossudu).

Ex officio.

4. Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly . . Member,

(Nettapakkam).

Ex officio.

5. Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly . . Member,

(Thirubuvanai).

Ex officio.

6. Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order), . . Member,

Puducherry.

Ex officio.

7. Director, Local Administration Department, . . Member,

Puducherry.

Ex officio.

8. Regional Administrator, Mahe.

. . Member,

Ex officio.

9. Regional Administrator, Yanam.

. . Member,

Ex officio.

10. Commissioner, Pondicherry Municipality. . . Member,

Ex officio.

11. Commissioner, Oulgaret Municipality. . . Member,

Ex officio.

12. Commissioner, Mahe Municipality.

. . Member,

Ex officio.

13. Commissioner, Yanam Municipality.

. . Member,

Ex officio.

14. One representative from Railway Department. . . Member,

Ex officio.

15. Not more than four social workers belonging to . . Member,

organi zati on worki ng fo r the pro hibiti on of Ex officio.

Manual Scavenging and Rehabilitation of

Manual Scavengers, or representing the

Scavenger Community, resident in this Union

Territory, to be nominated by the District

Collector, two of whom shall be women.

684 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

16. One person to represent the financial and credit . . Member

institutions in the District to be nominated by

the District Collector.

17. Director, Adi-Dravidar Welfare and Scheduled . . Member-

Tribes Welfare Department, Puducherry. Secretary,

Ex officio.

Karaikal District

1. District Collector, Karaikal.

. . Chairperson,

Ex officio.

2. Hon'ble Member of Legislative Assembly . . Member,

(Nedungadu).

Ex officio.

3. Senior Superintendent of Police, Karaikal. . . Member,

Ex officio.

4. Deputy Director, Local Administration Department, . . Member,

Karaikal.

Ex officio.

5. Commissioner, Karaikal Municipality, Karaikal. . . Member,

Ex officio.

6. One representative from Railway Department. . . Member,

Ex officio.

7. Not more than four social workers belonging . . Members,

to organization working for the prohibition of Ex officio.

Manual Scavenging and Rehabilitation of

Manual Scavengers, or representing the

Scavenger Community, resident in this Union

Territory, to be nominated by the District

Collector, two of whom shall be women.

8. One person to represent the financial and credit . . Member

institutions in the District to be nominated by

the District Collector.

9. Assistant Director, Adi-Dravidar Welfare and . . Member-

Scheduled Tribes Welfare Department, Puducherry. Secretary,

Ex officio.

685

PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

22. Duties and Responsibilities of District Vigilance Committees.— The District Vigilance Committees constituted under sub-section (1) of section 24 of the Act shall observe the following procedure in regard to the transaction of business in its meetings:–

(a) To meet at least once in every three months. No proceeding of a Vigilance Committees shall be invalid merely by reason of any defect in its constitutions and functions of the District Vigilance Committee shall be as follows:

(1) To advice the District Magistrate, or as the case may be, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, on the action which need to be taken, to ensure that the provisions of this rules or of any rules made thereunder are properly implemented.

(2) To oversee the economic and social rehabilitation of manual

scavengers.

(3) To co-ordinate the functions of all concerned agencies with a view to channelize adequate credit for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers, and

(4) To monitor the registration of offences under the rules and

their investigation and prosecution.

REHABILITATION OF IDENTIFIED MANUAL SCAVENGERS

23. Rehabilitation.—Any person included in the final list of manual scavengers published under sub-section (6) of section 11 or sub-section (3) of section 12 or section 14 or sub-section (2) of section 15 of the Act shall be rehabilitated as required under section 13 of the Act, in the following manner, namely:–

(1) All persons identified and listed through survey as manual scavengers shall be rehabilitated with one time cash assistance of 40,000 (Rupees forty thousand only) one from each family, immediately

after identification, as per Rule 11 of these rules.

(2) The members of the scavenging community shall be given preference in the award of contracts for maintaining the public toilets, urinals and bathrooms in railways stations, bus stands, markets and so on. They shall be engaged as waste collectors through outsourcing for door to door collection with segregation of solid waste in the Local bodies.

686 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(3) Any member of the scavenging community, who intend to

launch his own business/economic activity, shall be provided with

adequate financial assistance under various Government Schemes and

through Bank loans.

(4) The children of the manual scavenger shall be entitled to

scholarship as per the relevant Scheme of the Central Government or

the State Government or the Local Authorities, as the case may be.

(5) The listed persons through the survey shall be allotted a

residential plot and financial assistance for house construction, or a

ready built house with financial assistance, subject to eligibility and

willingness of the manual scavengers as per the provisions of the

relevant Scheme.

(6) At least one member of their family shall be given subject

to eligibility and willingness, training in livelihood skill and shall be paid

a monthly stipend during such period.

(7) At least one adult member of their family shall be given,

subject to eligibility and willingness, subsidy and concessional loan for

taking up an alternative occupation on sustainable basis as per the

provisions of the relevant Scheme.

CHAPTER–VII

USAGE OF TECHNOLOGICAL APPLIANCES FOR CLEANING

OF SEWER, MACHINE HOLES AND SEPTIC TANKS

24. Usage of Technological Appliances.— Every Local Authority

and other agency shall use appropriate technological appliances for

cleaning of sewers, machine holes, septic tanks and other spaces within

their control with a view to eliminating the need for the manual handling

of excreta in the process of their cleaning as required under section 33

of the Act. The procedure, which shall be adopted for such usage of

technological appliances is given in Annexure-V to these Rules.

————

687

PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

ANNEXURE – I

[See rule 8(3) (iii)]

First Aid Facilities.— At every work place, there shall be provided and maintained, so as to be easily accessible during working hours, not less than one first-aid box.

(1) The first-aid box shall be distinctly marked with a red cross on white back ground and shall contain the following equipments, namely:–

(a) For work places in which the number of employees employed does not exceed 50, each first-aid box shall contain the following equipments namely:–

(i) 6 small sterilised dressings;

(ii) 3 medium size sterilised dressings;

(iii) 3 large size sterilised dressings;

(iv) 3 large sterilised burn dressings;

(v) 1 (30 ml.) bottle containing a two percent alcoholic solution

iodine;

(vi) (30 ml.) bottle containing sal-volatile having the dose and

mode of administration indicated on the label;

(vii) 1 snakebite lancet;

(viii) 1 (30 gms.) bottle of potassium permanganate crystals;

(ix) 1 pair of scissors;

(x) 1 copy of the first-aid leaflet issued by the Director General, Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes, Government of India;

(xi) 1 bottle containing 100 tablets (each of 5 gms.) of aspirin;

(xii) Ointment for burns; and

(xiii) A bottle of suitable surgical antiseptic solution.

(b) For Work places in which the number of employees exceeds 50, each first-aid box shall contain the following equipments, namely:–

(i) 12 small sterilised dressings;

(ii) 6 medium size sterilised dressings;

688 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(iii) 6 large size sterilised dressings;

(iv) 6 large size sterilised bum dressings;

(v) 6 packets sterilised cotton wool;

(vi) 1 (60 ml.) bottle containing two percent alcoholic solution

iodine;

(vii) 1 (60 ml.) bottle containing salvolatile having the dose and

mode of administration indicated on the label;

(viii) 1 roll of adhesive plaster;

(ix) 1 snake bite lancet;

(x) 1 (30 gms.) bottle of potassium permanganate crystals;

(xi) 1 pair of scissors;

(xii) 1 copy of the first-aid leaflet issued by the Director General

Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes/Government

of India;

(xiii) A bottle containing 100 tablets (each of 5 gms.) of aspirin;

(xiv) Ointment for burns; and

(xv) A bottle of suitable surgical antiseptic solution.

(2) Adequate arrangements shall be made for immediate

recoupment of the equipment, when necessary.

(3) The first-aid box shall be kept in-charge of a responsible

person who shall always be readily available during the working hours

of the work place.

(4) A person in-charge of the First-aid box shall be a person

trained in first-aid treatment, in the work places where the number of

employees employed is 150 or more.

(5) In work places where the number of employees employed is

500 or more and the hospital facilities are not available within easy

distance from the work place, first-aid posts shall be established and

run by a trained compounder and he shall be on duty and shall be

available at all hours when the workers are at work.

689

PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(6) Where work places are situated in places which are not

towns or cities, a suitable motor transport shall be kept readily available

to carry injured person or person suddenly taken ill, to the nearest

hospital.

(7) The first-aid box shall not contain any other equipment or

substance as mentioned above.

————

ANNEXURE – II

[See rule 10(21)]

SELF DECLARATION FORM

Identification of the Persons Engaged in Manual Scavenging

(Office use)

Name of the Union Territory :

District :

Municipality :

Photo of t h e p ers on engaged in manual scavenging

Town :

Ward :

Panchayat :

Village :

Family Photo of the person engaged

in manual scavenging

(Picture post card size

photograph 6" x 4")

1. Name of the person engaged in :

manual scavenging.

2. Name of Father/Mother/Spouse :

690 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

3. Age

4. Sex

: Male Female

5. Educational Status:

(Put a  mark in the appropriate box)

(i) (a) Literate :

(b) Illiterate :

(ii) If Literate, level of education :

Studied: Class 1-5 :

Class 6-10 :

Class 11-12 :

Class above 12 :

6. Occupation:

(i) Carrying / Disposing / Cleaning of human excreta manually from

insanitary latrine.

(ii) Cleaning untreated human excreta manually from :

(a) Open drain

(b) Railway track

7. Status of Employment :

I. Employed in :

(a) Private:–

(i) Individual household

(ii) Community/Group of households

(iii) Contractor

(iv) Institution like hospital, office, etc.

(v) Others (specify) .......................

691

PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(b) Central Government :

(d) Local Authority :

II. Employed on :

(a) Permanent basis :

(b) Temporary basis :

8. How long you have been in this :

Occupation.

9. Social Background :

(a) Whether SC/ST/MBCs/BCS/ :

Others.

(b) Caste :

(d) Religion :

10. (a) Have you received any : Yes No

benefit from the Government

rehabilitation Schemes?

(Put a  mark in the appropriate box)

Sl. Name of the Schemes Rupees

No.

(1)

(2)

(3)

1 National Scheme for Liberation and Rehabilitation of

Scavengers (NSLRS).

2 Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation for Manual

Scavengers (SRMS).

3 Any other

[Please specify the name of Scheme(s)] 692 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(Put a  mark in the appropriate box)

(b) If yes, name of the Scheme : Yes No

If yes, whether project funded : Yes No If yes, monthly

through the above Scheme is income ( )

running.

11. (a) Are you engaged in any : Yes No

occupation other than

scavenging?

(b) If yes, specify :

12. Any other skills you possess :

(i) Construction :

(ii) Carpentry :

(iii) Driving :

(iv) Cooking :

(v) Tailoring :

(vi) Any other (Specify) :

N ame and Ad d r es s o f t he p er so n :

engaged in manual scavenging.

Pin Code:

Contact Telephone/ : Signature of Data :

Mobile No. Entry Operator.

Signature / Thumb : Name and date :

Impres sion of the With code No.

person engaged in

manual scavenging. S i g n a t u r e o f :

Su p e r v i s o r 693

PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

Name and date :

S i g n a t u r e o f t h e : Name and date :

Enumerator.

(With code No.)

Name and date :

(With code No.)

DETAILS OF INSANITARY LATRINE

1. Details of Individual Insanitary Latrine (IIL):

Sl. Name of the Location Monthly Salary/ No. owner of wages of

Insanitary Dry latrine Latrine from the Manual

Latrine which excreta Scavenger ( )

is being

flushed into In cash In food

open drain grains, etc.

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Total Number of the Individual Insanitary :

Latrines being cleaned by the person

engaged in manual scavenging.

(Note : Please give detailed description of the Individual Insanitary

Latrine cleaned by the person engaged in manual scavenging. In case

you need to write extra information kindly photocopy this page and

attach with the survey form) 694 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

2. Details of Community Insanitary Latrine (CIL) :

Sl. Name of the Location Monthly Salary/ No. owner wages of

(Organisation/ Dry latrine Latrine from the Manual

Agency) of which excreta Scavenger ( ) Community is being Insanitary flushed into In cash In food

Latrine open drain grains, etc.

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

3. Detail of Open Drains (OD)/Railway Tracks/Other Spaces :

Sl. Location of Open Drains/ Salary/wages of the manual No. Railway Tracks/Other Spaces scavengers

in which excreta from the

insanitary latrines is In cash In kind being flushed ( ) ( )

(1) (2)

(3) (4)

(Note : If, the number of involved manual scavengers in open drain is more than one, then please fill up a separate form for each of the persons engaged in manual scavenging) 695

PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

ANNEXURE – III

[See Rule 13(9)]

.............................................................................. Date :

..............................................................................

Office of the Inspector,

(Area Name)

NOTICE

[Under Rule 13(9) of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Rules, 2024]

Ref. :

Date :

To :

............................................................

Subject : Notice under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) and the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Rules, 2024 (hereinafter referred to as the Rules): Hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.

* * * * *

Whereas, section 7 of the Act provides that no person, Local Authority or any agency shall, from such date as the Union Territory Government may notify, which shall not be later than one year from the date of commencement of the Act, engage or employ, either directly or indirectly, any person for hazardous cleaning of a sewer or a septic tank;

And Whereas, the Government has notified the date of the enforcement of the provisions of section 7 of the Act as the 15th day of March, 2015;

And Whereas, cleaning of sewers and septic tanks is regulated

under the provisions of Rules 4 to 9 of the rules;

696 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

And Whereas, you have been noticed to have violated the provisions of section 7 read with section 2(1)(d) of the said Act and Rule 4(1) of the rules as detailed below:–

(i) Place of violation :

(ii) Date of violation :

(iii) Violation details :

2. You are requested to show cause as to why action against you under section of the Act be not initiated. You are requested to submit your clarification in writing by ........................................ (date) or appear in person in my office on ........................................ at .........................................

3. In case of failure to submit the necessary clarification by you or your failure for appearance or your representative fails to appear on the specified day and time, it shall be deemed that you have nothing to say in the matter and the undersigned shall be free to take action in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Rules.

Name and Designation of the Inspector :

Date :

Place :

————

ANNEXURE – IV

[See Rule 14(2)]

FORMAT FOR SEWER DEATH CASES AND PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION

Sl. Name of Date of Name of Name of Mode of Amount No. the victim death the spot the next of payment of

and District kin who has compen-

where been paid sation

death has the occurred compen-

sation

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) 697

PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

ANNEXURE – V

(See rule 23)

1. Mechanized Cleaning.— Employment of any person for manual

scavenging or hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks is

completely banned under the Act. Manual cleaning of sewers and septic

tanks with safety precautions including protective gear and devices can

be undertaken under exceptional cases only, with the permission of the

Local Authority for reasons to be recorded in writing.

(a) Each local body and private sanitation agencies shall be

equipped with appropriate technology, machineries, etc. (mechanised

solution) and ensure that only trained professionals are allowed to enter

the sewer/septic tanks.

(b) Mechanical cleaning of sewers is the most preferred method

and shall be employed to the extent possible. To operate and maintain a

sewer collection system to function as intended, the maintenance

Engineer shall try to strive towards the objectives to minimize the

number of blockages per unit length of sewer, and to minimize the

number of odour complaints. For this purpose, sewer cleaning using

hydraulic or mechanical cleaning methods needs to be done on a

scheduled basis to remove accumulated debris in the pipe such as sand,

silt, grease, roots and rocks.

2. Cleaning frequency.— The frequency of cleaning of sewers is

based on the prevailing local conditions and determined through field

inspections and complaints received from the residents of the area.

However, it is desirable to clean the sewer at least once in every six

months (ideally once just before monsoon season). Inspections and

examinations of the sewers and septic tanks shall be made before starting

the cleaning.

3. Procedures for cleaning of sewers-Mechanical.—

Step 1 : Reaching the site–

(a) Selection of prospective employees for the sewer cleaning

shall take into account the duties they shall be expected to perform.

698 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(b) The complete hazard involved in the cleaning activity shall

be explained clearly to the employees by the Supervisor and shall

get their written consent before starting the cleaning activities.

reach the designated site, preferably during lean period of sewage

flow in sewers.

(d) The Supervisor shall have the names, address and

emergency contact information of the staff involved in cleaning

the sewers.

(e) Appropriate protective gears and safety devices shall be

worn by the staff before beginning the work of cleaning the sewers.

Step 2 : Identification and Isolation of the area–

(a) Identify the stretch to be cleaned and identify the machine

holes associated with the stretch.

(b) Barricade the area where cleaning is to be carried out.

site and shall be visible to incoming traffic for at least 150m.

(d) Cones (similar to the one used by the Police) shall be placed

on the road.

Step 3 : Verify the presence of any gases or other hindrances–

(a) Ventilate the sewer line by opening 2-3 machine holes on

both sides of the working stretch for at least 1 hour prior to start

of the work to ensure escape of toxic gases. The worker opening

the machine hole must not bend down into opened machine hole

and this may cause his getting overcome by hydrogen sulphide

gas and even tripping into the machine hole.

(b) Use gas monitor, detector lamp, wet acetate paper or gas

detector masks to detect any residues of poisonous gases like

hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, methane and gasoline

vapours.

to black colour in the presence of hydrogen sulphide. The person

shall not try to insert the paper by hand into the machine hole.

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(d) If, gases are detected, extend waiting period to allow residual gases to escape and to avoid the chance of explosion, in case. Repeat the procedure many times for checking the escape of toxic gases.

(e) Before the start of the cleaning operation, employees shall

check for hindrances that may delay the cleaning process.

(f) Dummy covers with welded fabric or wire net shall be used to cover the machine hole, if required. However care shall be taken to ensure that the cover is strong enough to hold a man's weight.

Step 4 : Removal of silt/wax – Mechanical Process–

(a) Appropriate machines, at least to the extent specified in these Rules or guidelines, standard operating procedures prescribed by appropriate Authority are to be used to remove the silt/wax.

(b) The operating procedures of these machines shall be strictly

followed for cleaning.

cleaning.

Step 5 : Leaving from the site–

(a) All the equipments/machineries along with the protective gears and safety devices that had any direct contact with the sewage shall be cleaned properly as per the cleaning procedure specified by the manufacturer.

(b) All the equipments, safety gears, barricades, etc., shall be removed from the working area and the crew shall move to the base or to the next site.

The entire operation shall be monitored and documented by the

Supervisor.

4. Emptying of septic tanks.—

(a) Emptying Frequency : Regular emptying of septic tanks through a systematic extraction and collection procedure is essential to

check environmental pollution. The frequency of emptying shall be 700 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

determined by the local conditions including loading rate and performance of septic tanks. However, it is ideal to clean the septic tanks once in a year or two years based on its design criteria. But, in no case, the cleaning frequency shall exceed two years.

(b) Procedures followed for Emptying of Septic Tanks :

(i) Inform the occupant, of the pending service and note any

concerns or issues.

(ii) Inspect the site for possible hazards, such as clearing the area, of people or identifying high ground water that could cause a tank to "float", if emptied.

(iii) Park the truck as close to the septic tank as possible. The maximum distance is determined by the length of hose and elevation rise from the bottom of the pit or septic tank to the vacuum truck. This shall typically be not more than 25 meters in linear distance and 4 meters in elevation gain. In case, the length and elevation is more than the specified, intermediate pumping shall be required.

(iv) Break the mortar seal of the septic tank lid. Inspect the tank

for cracks or damage before and after the emptying of tank.

(v) Lay out and connect the hoses from the truck to the tank or pit to be emptied and secure the truck using the wheel chocks.

(vi) It is essential to ensure that the hose is in sound condition and that the hose connections are locked into place, prior to using this method.

(vii) Follow the safety instructions as prescribed in the above

section of mechanical cleaning of sewers.

(viii) Open the tank or pit by removing the access ports or

covers over the storage system.

(ix) Engage the vacuum equipment by using a power take-off

from the truck's transmission.

(x) Increase the vacuum to the proper level with the valve closed by watching the vacuum gauge, then lowering the end of the hose into the septic tank, and open the valve sufficiently, so that the faecal sludge is drawn out of the tank or pit.

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(xi) Breakup the faecal sludge that has agglomerated into a solid mass, either by making use of a long handle shovel or adding water when necessary.

(xii) Operators shall leave behind sludge not less than 25 mm. in depth in the bottom of the septic tank, as this shall act as the seeding material.

(xiii) Identify any abnormal condition, such as high concentration of non-biodegradable materials, oils and grease before taking to the treatment plant for final disposal.

(xiv) If, the cover of the tank has been removed, it shall be replaced and sealed with cement plaster. If, de-sludging has been carried out through a desludging hatch, the cover of the hatch shall be replaced and sealed with cement plaster.

(xv) Clean up any spillage using proper sorbent materials. The top of the cover and the area around the septic tank\ is sprayed with 1% hypo chlorite solution.

(xvi) Two sets of working clothes shall be provided for each worker, which shall be dedicated to be used only during the de-sludging process. Clothes worn during the de-sludging process shall be removed before the workers return to home.

(xvii) Prepare a written report indicating, how much waste removed; the condition of the tank or pit; any recommendations for repairs or maintenance, any recommendations for the proper use of the system.

(xviii) Inform the client that the work is complete, and give them

the final report along with recommendations, if any.

(xix) The final report shall also be entered in the computer in the Local Body so as to provide a database and to also know about the next emptying date, etc.

(xx) Remove the wheel chocks and drive the truck to the next

site or to the nearest approved disposal site.

(xxi) Necessary format of undertaking to be obtained from the contractor who engaged workers on outsourcing for cleaning and maintenance of sewerage system (including septic tank) through Memorandum of Understanding.

702 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(xxii) If, in case, cleaning and maintenance of system is

outsourced through a service contract, necessary conditions to be

included in the bid documents, as well as in the contract agreement with contractor.

5. Emergency preparedness.— (a) Emergency plan to execute the

work shall be prepared before arriving at the site.

(b) The Supervisor and all the crew members involved in sewer

cleaning shall be familiarized with the emergency plan.

(c) A tripod attached with rope and pulley and harness or some other suitable system shall be put in place for retrieving the injured

worker.

(d) A first aid kit distinctly marked with a red cross on white

back ground shall be readily available at the site which shall be at least have the items listed in Annexure-I

(e) Wash-up material like soap and skin cream for applying on the body shall be adequately available at the site. A list of medical care

centres available near the site shall be prepared and made readily available.

(f) Vehicle, preferably, an ambulance shall be available at the site for carrying the injured worker(s) to the hospital, in case of any

emergency.

6. Gas emergencies.— (a) If, a gas emergency occurs everyone

shall immediately put on their escape sets (breathing apparatus) and raise the alarm.

(b) The men at the ground level are trained rescuers and they shall immediately send down the rescue sets and await the men working

in sewer to come out. The men at the ground level shall attempt to rescue the men inside sewer with all the equipments at their disposal.

(c) If there is a casualty, he shall be propped up out of sewage in a comfortable position. Immediately call the emergency services like

ambulance, fire brigade. When the victim has the gas mask on the face and if, he is breathing, a rescuer shall always be with him because he

may vomit thereby choking the supply of oxygen.

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(d) First-aid shall be given to a gas victim, as given below:

(i) Remove him to fresh air as soon as possible.

(ii) Apply artificial respiration with oxygen resuscitation if, he

is not breathing. If, one is not available, apply mouth to mouth

breathing.

(iii) Keep him lying down and wait for an ambulance.

7. Precautions.—

(a) Precautions against Gas Hazards : When a sewer or a

machine hole is required to be entered for cleaning or clearing an

obstruction, where dangerous gas or oxygen deficiencies may be present,

the following precautions shall be taken, namely:–

(i) Smoking, open flames and spark shall not be allowed.

(ii) Erect warning signs.

(iii) Use only safety gas-proof electric – lighting equipment or

mirror for reflection of light.

(iv) Test the atmosphere for noxious gases and oxygen

deficiencies. In case of scum formation, the sewage and sediments

in the machine hole shall be agitated with the help of rod or any

other suitable instrument for trapped gases and the machine hole

shall be checked for noxious gases and oxygen deficiencies.

(v) If, the atmosphere is normal, workmen may enter with a

safety belt attached and with at least two men available at the

ground level. For extended jobs, the gas tests shall be repeated

every three minutes while men are in the sewer.

(vi) If, oxygen deficiency or noxious gas is found, the structure

shall be ventilated with pure air by keeping open at least one

machine hole cover each on upstream and downstream side for

quick exit of toxic gases or by forced ventilation using a portable

blower. The gas tests shall be repeated before entering. Adequate

ventilation shall be maintained during the work and the gas test

shall be repeated every three minutes.

704 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

(vii) If, the gas or oxygen deficiency is present and it is not

practicable to ventilate adequately before workers enter, hose masks

shall be worn and extreme care shall be taken to avoid all sources

of ignition. Workers shall be taught how to use the hose

equipment. In these cases, they shall always use permissible safety

lights (not ordinary flash lights) rubber boots or non-sparking

shoes and non-sparking tools.

(viii) Workmen descending a machine hole shaft to inspect or

clean sewers shall try each ladder step or rung carefully before

putting the full weight on it to guard against insecure fastening

due to corrosion of the rung at the machine hole wall. When work

is going on in deep sewers, at least two men shall be available for

lifting workers from the machine hole in the event of serious/

grievous injury.

(ix) Portable air blowers for ventilating machine hole are

recommended for all tank, pit or machine hole work where there is

a possibility of presence of noxious gas, vapours or oxygen

deficiency. The motor of these air blowers shall be of weatherproof

and flameproof type, compression-ignitions-diesel type (without

sparking plug). These shall be placed not less than 2 m away from

the opening and on the leeward side protected from wind so that

they shall not serve as a source of ignition for any inflammable

gas which may be present. Forced type ventilation shall be

provided by blower located at ground level with suitable flexible

ducting to displace the air from the machine hole.

(b) Precautions against infection : The personnel working in

sewerage maintenance systems are prone to infections and hence, the

following precautions shall be taken, namely:–

(i) The workers shall be educated about the hazards of

waterborne diseases such as, typhoid and cholera through sewage

and tetanus through cuts and wounds. Cuts and grazes shall be

covered with waterproof plasters. Effective immunization of

workers against diseases such as typhoid, cholera, tetanus, etc.,

shall be done by vaccination.

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PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

(ii) The importance of personal hygiene shall be emphasized and

the worker shall be instructed to keep finger nails short and well-

trimmed, wash hands with soap and hot water before taking food

and to keep fingers out of nose, mouth and eyes, because the

hands carry most infection.

(iii) Use of rubber gloves shall be insisted so that sewage or

sludge does not come in direct contact with hand. Before starting

work, skin likely to be exposed to sewage shall be covered with

barrier cream.

(iv) The worker shall be provided with a complete change of

work clothes to be worn during hours. Gum boots shall also be

provided for the workers.

(v) When the work is completed, thoroughly wash all

contaminated parts of the body.

traffic:

(i) Workers (on foot) exposed to vehicular traffic shall wear

fluorescent flagging garments.

(ii) Workers shall not wear any type of headgear that can

interfere with hearing back up alarms, warnings, etc.

(iii) When hazards to workers exist because of vehicular traffic,

use traffic controls in consonance with the Local Transport

Authority.

(iv) Additionally, controls such as detours, warning signs or

barricades shall be used when necessary. Flagmen are required

where these controls are ineffective.

(v) Wherever mobile equipment operation encroaches upon a

public through fare, a system of traffic control shall be used.

8. Methods of Cleaning Sewers and Septic Tanks.— Mechanical

means of cleaning sewers is most preferred method and shall be

employed, wherever possible. Manual entry into the sewers shall be

avoided as far as possible and shall be employed only in inevitable

cases, that too, with proper protective gears and other cleaning devices

and ensuring observance of safety precautions. In no case, hazardous 706 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

cleaning of sewers shall be entertained by the Urban Local Bodies or

by private contractors under the Act, which completely ban hazardous

cleaning of sewers. Most often, de-silting machines and jetting/suction

machines are employed by the larger Urban Local Bodies in the country

for cleaning their sewers. Various sewer cleaning methods described in

the Central Public Health Environmental Engineering Organisation

(CPHEEO) Manual on Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Systems, 2013

shall be adopted, as follows:-

(1) Manual Methods :

(a) Manila Rope and Cloth Ball : The most common way of

cleaning small diameter sewers up to 300 mm. diameter is by the

use of a manila rope and cloth ball. Flexible bamboo strips tied

together are inserted in the sewer line by a person on top. If

necessary, another person inside the machine hole with full safety

gears, precautionary measures and safety equipment help in

pushing the rod through the sewer line. When the front end of

the bamboo strip reaches the next machine hole, a thick manila

rope, with cloth ball at one end, is tied to the rear end of the bamboo

splits. The bamboo splits are then pulled by another person in the

downstream machine hole and pushed through the sewer line. As

the rope is pulled, the ball sweeps the sewer line and the

accumulated grit is carried to the next machine hole where it is

removed out by means of buckets. This operation is repeated

between the next machine holes until the stretch of sewer line is

cleaned. This action requires careful supervision.

(b) Sectional Sewer Rods : These rods are used for cleaning

small sewers. The sewer rods shall be of bamboo or teak wood or

light metal usually about one-meter-long at the end of which is a

coupling, which remains intact in the sewer but, can be easily

disjointed in the machine hole. Sections of the rods are pushed

down the sewer. The front or the advancing end of the sewer rod

is generally fitted with a brush, a rubber ring for cleaning or a

cutting edge to cut and dislodge the obstructions. These rods are

also useful to locate the obstruction from either machine hole in

case a particular portion of the sewer has to be exposed for

attending to the problem.

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PART–II] LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT

slightly smaller size than the sewer to be cleaned. The scraper

chains, attached to a control chain in the machine hole into which

it is lowered, are then connected to a winch in the next downstream

machine hole by means of chains. The winch is then operated to

push the debris ahead of the scraper. The upward flow behind the

scraper and the water dropping from the top of the scraper will

also assist in pushing it in the forward direction. This ensures that

the bottom and the sides of the sewer are cleaned thoroughly.

The scraped debris is removed manually.

(2) Mechanical Methods :

(a) Sewer Cleaning Bucket Machine: The bucket machine

consists of two powered winches with cables in between. For

cleaning a section of sewer, the winches are centered over two

adjacent machine holes. To get the cable from one winch to the

other, it is necessary to thread the cable through the sewer line

by means of sewer rods or flexible split-bamboo rods. The cable

from the drum of each winch is fastened to the barrel on each end

of an expansion sewer bucket fitted with closing device, so that

the bucket can be pulled in either direction by the machine on the

appropriate end. The bucket is pulled into the loosened material

to clean the sewer.

(b) Rodding Machine with Flexible Sewer Rods: This

consists of a machine, which rotates a flexible rod to which is

attached a cleaning tool such as auger, corkscrew or hedgehog and

sand cups. The flexible rod is guided through the machine hole by

a bent pipe. The machine propels the rod with the tool attached to

one end, the other end being fixed to the machine. The rod is pulled

in and out in quick succession when the tool is engaging the

obstruction, so as to dislodge or loosen it. When the obstruction

is cleared, the rod is pulled out by means of clamps keeping the

rod propelled to facilitate quick and easy removal.

propelled devices take advantage of the force of impounded water

to effectively clear sewers. The efficiency depends on the 708 LA GAZETTE DE L'ETAT [PART–II

hydraulic principle that an increase in velocity in a moving stream is accompanied by a greatly increased ability to move entrained material. The transporting capacity of water varies as the sixth power of its velocity. The common hydraulically propelled devices are as follows:–

(i) Flush Bags;

(ii) Sewer Balls;

(iii) Sewer Scooters.

(d) Velocity Cleaners (Jetting Machines): The high velocity sewer-cleaner makes use of high velocity water-jets to remove and dislodge obstructions. It combines the functions of a rodding machine and gully emptier machine. It includes a high-pressure hydraulic pump capable of delivering water at variable pressure up to about 8 MPa through a flexible hose to a sewer cleaning nozzle. The nozzle has one forward facing jet and a number of peripheral rearward facing jets. The high-pressure water coming out of the holes with a high velocity, breaks up, dislodges the obstructions and flushes the materials down the sewer. Moreover, by varying the pressure suitably, the nozzle itself acts as a jack- hammer and breaks up stubborn obstructions. A separate suction pump or airflow device shall also be used to suck the dislodged material. The entire equipment is usually mounted on a heavy truck chassis with either a separate prime mover or a power take off for the suction device. The truck carries secondary treated sewage, if available, and if not, untreated fresh water for the hydraulic jet. The truck also has a tank for the removed sludge and various controls grouped together for easy operation during sewer cleaning. Now-a-days, mini jetting machines are also available in the market which can travel into narrow lanes and clean the sewer lines up to a length of 200 feet (60 meters).

( e ) D r e d g e r ( C l a m - s h e l l ) f o r m a c h i n e h o l e c l e a n i n g : It consists of a grab bucket on a wire rope, which is lowered into the machine hole in an open condition with the help of a crane a nd p ul le y. O n r e a chi ng the b ot to m of t he ma chi ne ho l e , the segments are closed, and the accumulated silt is picked up. The bucket can be closed by wire ropes or by a pneumatically operated cylinder.

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(f) Gully Emptier (Suction Units): Suction units create the

vacuum required for siphoning of mud, slurry, grit and other

materials. The vacuum elevated is such as to siphon the materials

from the deep machine holes catch-pits, etc., having depth ranging

from 1 m. to 8 m. in normal cases with an option to suck an

additional 4 m. with the help of special accessories for the purpose.

The unit can be vehicle or trolley mounted. Silt and heavy particles

settled at the bottom can be agitated and loosened by pressurized

air with the help of the pump and then sucked into a tank.

(By order of the Lieutenant-Governor)

R. RATHNA,

Under Secretary to Government

(Local Administration).

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online publication at "https://styandptg.py.gov.in" Published by the Director, Government Press, Puducherry.