Notice to BDO, p’yat on work conditions of waste collectors

Panaji: The Goa Human Rights Commission on Wednesday issued a notice to the block development officer (BDO), Tiswadi, and the secretary of the Santa Cruz panchayat in response to a complaint filed by a panch member of the Santa Cruz panchayat.

The member highlighted the inhumane conditions under which garbage collectors employed by the Santa Cruz panchayat operate and live.The commission called for replies to be filed by the next hearing on June 20. Inacio Domnic Pereira, in his complaint, stated that the conditions under which garbage collectors work are deeply disturbing and amount to a gross violation of fundamental human rights to dignity, safety, and a humane working and living environment. He said the workers are forced to handle hazardous waste with bare hands, work, cook, ">and stay in unsanitary conditions at the material recovery facility (MRT), and are not provided with basic equipment such as gloves, masks, boots, or uniforms.