Title: MCD had law, sanitation workers could be jailed for leave: PM Modi
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been in the spotlight recently, and not for its cleanliness efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently criticized the Opposition for an old law that allowed sanitation workers to be jailed for a month if they took a day off without informing in advance. This law has been in place since 1985, and it has been used to penalize sanitation workers who failed to report to work without a valid reason.
Speaking at an event in Delhi, PM Modi stated, “Those who talk big about social justice today have created many such rules and laws in the country.” He criticized the Opposition for not doing enough to address the issues faced by sanitation workers, who are often overworked and underpaid. “The law that says that sanitation workers can be jailed for taking a day off is an example of how the Opposition has failed to address the issues faced by these workers,” he said.
The law in question is Section 296 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1956, which states that any sanitation worker who fails to report to work without a valid reason can be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to one month, or with fine which may extend up to Rs 500, or with both. This law has been used to penalize sanitation workers who take a day off without informing their supervisors, even if it’s for a valid reason such as illness or family emergency.
PM Modi’s criticism of the law has sparked a debate about the treatment of sanitation workers in India. Many experts argue that the law is draconian and unfair, and that it reflects the lack of respect and appreciation for the hard work done by sanitation workers. “Sanitation workers are the backbone of our society, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity,” said Dr. Ravi Aggarwal, a public health expert. “This law is a clear example of how the government has failed to address the issues faced by these workers.”
The law has also been criticized for being unfair and disproportionate. “A one-month jail term for taking a day off is excessive and disproportionate,” said lawyer and activist, Sudhir Krishnaswamy. “It’s a clear example of how the government is using its power to punish and intimidate sanitation workers, rather than working to address the root causes of their problems.”
The issue of sanitation worker’s rights has been a contentious one in India for years. Sanitation workers are often overworked and underpaid, and they are often exposed to hazardous conditions and diseases. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), sanitation workers in India are more likely to die from work-related injuries and diseases than workers in any other profession.
PM Modi’s criticism of the law has also been seen as a move to appease the sanitation workers and their unions, who have been demanding better working conditions and better pay. “The Prime Minister’s criticism of the law is a welcome move, and we hope that it will lead to some positive changes for sanitation workers,” said a senior leader of the Sanitation Workers’ Union.
In conclusion, the law that allows sanitation workers to be jailed for a month for taking a day off without informing in advance is a draconian and unfair law that reflects the lack of respect and appreciation for the hard work done by sanitation workers. PM Modi’s criticism of the law has sparked a debate about the treatment of sanitation workers in India, and it has highlighted the need for better working conditions and better pay for these workers.
