43 Sanitation worker deaths go unaddressed in Union Budget, Activist claims
Bezwada Wilson, the national convenor of Safai Karmachari Andolan, has raised concerns over the deaths of 43 sanitation workers who lost their lives while cleaning sewers and septic tanks between February and July 2024. Wilson claims that the Union Budget presented on July 23 failed to address the ongoing issue of manual scavenging and the dangerous conditions these workers face.
In a statement issued on July 24, Wilson accused the government of showing indifference toward sanitation workers and neglecting their safety. He highlighted that manual scavenging, despite being illegal, continues to be practiced in various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. "This government has no respect for human life and human dignity," he said, criticizing the lack of mention in the budget about measures to prevent these deaths.
Wilson also noted that manual scavengers often face intimidation from state governments and the police, which discourages them from speaking out about their conditions. He claimed that threats of arrest are used to prevent workers from revealing their identities, thereby absolving the government of responsibility for their rehabilitation and the provision of alternative livelihoods.
The social activist called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to introduce a special package aimed at liberating and rehabilitating manual scavengers.
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Centre must roll back LPG price hike, says Kerala CM
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday demanded that the Centre immediately roll back the recent steep hike in LPG prices, alleging that it has severely impacted common people and small businesses.
In a statement, Vijayan described the increase as "one of the most cruel" in the history of cooking gas price revisions, saying it has pushed ordinary households and entrepreneurs into distress.
He said the price of commercial LPG cylinders had been raised by Rs 993 in one go, crossing Rs 3,000, which would adversely affect the hotel and restaurant sector.
The hike in the price of 5-kg LPG cylinders by Rs 251.50 would hit migrant workers and small families who depend on them, he added.
The chief minister alleged that the hike came immediately after the conclusion of Assembly elections in states, placing an additional burden on common people, small-scale entrepreneurs and migrant labourers.
Pointing to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, Vijayan said the hospitality sector has already been facing a shortage of cooking gas for months and the latest price increase would be difficult to absorb.
The burden would ultimately be passed on to consumers, he said, warning that several small establishments, including those in Kerala, could be forced to shut down.
Accusing oil companies of prioritising profits over public welfare, he said such a trend of imposing additional financial burden on people cannot be accepted.
Vijayan also alleged that the Centre's policies favour corporate interests and called for a correction in approach.
He urged the Union government to withdraw the excessive hike without delay.
The price of commercial LPG was hiked by the steepest ever Rs 993 per 19-kg cylinder on May 1, marking the third straight monthly increase due to rising global energy prices linked to the West Asia conflict.
