RBE No.104/1985 Safaiwalas – Charter of Demands – Southern Railway

No.85-E(SCT) 1-45/62, dated 11.04.1985

Sub:  Charter of demands 9 points Southern Railway.

Ref: Your Railways letter No.P(S)/171/P/Assn/MDU, dt. 06.11.1984

1. Please refer to remarks contained in para 9 of your Railway’s letter under reference concerning provision of rest room facilities for the sanitary cleaners (Safaiwalas) in major stations like Madurai, etc.

2.     The matter has been examined in this office and it has been felt that the difficulties experienced by the Safaiwalas working at big junction stations, particularly those engaged on cleaning with water, the railway tracks of the night soil are quite genuine. At some places, the Safaiwalas also use gum-boots to perform such duties. After doing such dirty jobs, they would naturally require their clothes to be changed; their hands, face, etc.; washed and cleaned so that they could take their meals, etc. and for changing their clothes, etc., some privacy is needed for which some sort of accommodation, may it be limited to the barest minimum, is required. The Safaiwalas doing the above jobs cannot be entertained even in Railway canteens, if they straight away go there from their job site without changing their clothes, shoe, etc. after doing the cleaning work. As such, the nature or job undertaken by this category seems to justify provision of a separate washing place with cubicles for changing clothes. At important junction stations, the availability of such facilities for this category of workers seems to be an essential welfare measure also, not only for themselves but also for all persons with whom they come in contact. Such facilities could be in the shape of an attached bath to the supervisor’s office on the work place/ godown or at some other suitable place.

4.     It is accordingly desired that your Railway should examine justification and feasibility of providing such facilities for the Safaiwalas at big junction stations and come up with proposals either as an essential and important part of Works Programme or as minor work under the powers of General Manager.