Punjab-Haryana High Court
Secretary/Commissioner, Nagar Nigam ... vs Kalawati And Others on 19 December, 2025
Author: Pankaj Jain
Bench: Pankaj Jain
FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 1
124
IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA
AT CHANDIGARH
FAO-4701-2025 (O&M)
Date of decision : 19.12.2025
SECRETARY/COMMISSIONER, NAGAR NIGAM HISSAR
....Appellant
Versus
KALAWATI AND OTHERS ...Respondents
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PANKAJ JAIN
Present : Mr. Sukhdeep Parmar, Advocate
for the appellant.
Mr. H.P.S. Ishar, Addl. A.G., Punjab.
PANKAJ JAIN, J. (ORAL)
On 2nd of August, 2025, this Court passed the following order:
Challenge is to the order dated 30.05.2025 passed by Commissioner, Employees Compensation Act, Circle, Hisar whereby the claim application filed by the claimants seeking compensation on account of death of Ajit Singh, husband of respondent No.1 who was working as Sweeper and employed on tractor to pick the garbage stands allowed.
Counsel for the appellant has assailed the findings recorded by the Commissioner, on the ground that there is no causal relationship between the deceased's death and his employment. Thus, it cannot be held that the deceased died owing to the accident arising out of and during the course of employment. He submits that as per the claimant's own case, the deceased was suffering from Cancer and vein of his foot got blocked owing to diabetes.DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 2
The Commissioner relies upon ratio of law laid down in State of Rajasthan Vs. Ram Prasad & anr., (2001) 1 LLJ 177 (SC) wherein the Supreme Court observed as under :-
"2. The accident, it is stated, took place on account of lightning. The contention put forth on behalf of the appellant is that the mishap of death of Smt Gita due to lightning is an act of God and, therefore, it is not liable to pay compensation. This contention has been rejected not only by the Commissioner for Workmen's Compensation but also by the learned Single Judge in appeal and thereafter by a Division Bench in a further appeal. The view taken is that the concept of the liability under the Act is wide enough to cover a case of this nature inasmuch as death had taken place arising as a result of accident in the course of employment. It is, no doubt true that accident must have a casual connection with the employment and arise out of it. If the workman is injured as a result of natural force such as lightning though in itself has no connection with employment, she can recover compensation by showing that such employment exposed her to such injury. In this case the finding is that the said Smt Gita was working on the site and would not have been exposed to such hazard of lightning striking her had she not been working so.
In the considered opinion of this Court, even though the counsel for the appellant is right in contending that there is hardly any evidence to establish causal relationship between death and the employment, but at the same time the nature of duties being performed by the deceased cannot be ignored. Supreme Court in the case of Smt. Dariyao Kanwar & ors. Vs. M/s United India Insurance Co., Ltd. & anr. 2023 AIR Supreme Court 4161 while dealing with the issue of accident during the course of employment in a case where Truck driver died of cardiac arrest observed as under :-
"10. This Court accepted the appeal filed by the dependents of the deceased and found that even if the death had not occurred on account of any accident but the driver was consistently driving the vehicle, there is every reason to assume that long spells of driving was a material contributory factor, if not the sole cause that accelerated his DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 3 unexpected death at a young age. Such an untoward mishap can reasonably be described as an accident, only attributable to the nature of employment. In the aforesaid judgment, the employee was 45 years of age. It squarely covers the case of the appellants. The relevant paras of the decision are extracted below:
"29. Applying the various principles laid down in the above decisions to the facts of this case, we can validly conclude that there was causal connection to the death of the deceased with that of his employment as a truck driver. We cannot lose sight of the fact that a 45- year-old driver meets with his unexpected death, may be due to heart failure while driving the vehicle from Delhi to a distant place called Nimiaghat near Jharkhand which is about 1152 km away from Delhi, would have definitely undergone grave strain and stress due to such long- distance driving. The deceased being a professional heavy vehicle driver when undertakes the job of such driving as his regular avocation it can be safely held that such constant driving of heavy vehicle, being dependent solely upon his physical and mental resources and endurance, there was every reason to assume that the vocation of driving was a material contributory factor if not the sole cause that accelerated his unexpected death to occur which in all fairness should be held to be an untoward mishap in his lifespan. Such an "untoward mishap" can therefore be reasonably described as an "accident" as having been caused solely attributable to the nature of employment indulged in with his employer which was in the course of such employer's trade or business.
30. .......................In such circumstances, we are convinced that the conclusion of the Commissioner of Workmen's Compensation that the death of the deceased was in an accident arising out of and in the course of his employment with the second respondent was perfectly justified and the conclusion to the contrary reached by the learned Judge of the High Court in the order impugned in this appeal deserves to be set aside."
(emphasis supplied)
11. Similar view was expressed by this Court in Northeast Karnataka Road Transport Corpn's case. (supra)."
On being asked with respect to the safety equipment being provided by the State/Local Bodies to the persons employed in lifting garbage, Mr. Parmar, Advocate fairly concedes that neither there is any regulation to provide the same nor the State has any policy for provisioning such equipment.
DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 4In view of above, this Court does not find any ground to interfere in the finding recorded by the Commissioner holding that the deceased Ajit Singh died during the course of employment.
Keeping in view the nature of duties performed by Safai Karamcharis, this Court finds it to be a fit case wherein the directions need to be issued to States for evolving mechanism to provide safety gear to the Safai Karamcharis employed for lifting garbage across the State. Ordered accordingly.
Mr. Parmar, Advocate accepts notice on behalf of Secretary, Local Bodies and prays for time to file response.
Adjourned to 08.08.2025.
2. In response thereto, State of Haryana filed an affidavit of Kanwar Singh, Joint Director, Urban Local Bodies Department, placing on record Standard Operating Procedure formulated to ensure periodic distribution of PPE and conduct of regular health check-ups for safaimitras.
3. As per the affidavit filed, all Urban Local Bodies have been directed to strictly adhere to SOP. SOP reads as under:
Standard Operating Procedure - For Distribution of PPE Kits and Health Checkup for Safaimitras
1) Purpose of the Document:
The purpose of this document is to establish a standardized procedure for the systematic distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the organization of regular health checkups for Safaimitras, sanitation workers, drivers, helpers, and other staff engaged in solid waste management. This SOP aims to:
Ensure the safety, health, and dignity of Safaimitras engaged in solid waste management activities.
Provide clear guidelines for timely procurement, distribution, usage, and monitoring of PPE kits.
Institutionalize preventive health measures through periodic medical checkups, early detection of occupational health issues, and vaccination support.DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 5
Comply with statutory requirements under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and occupational safety regulations. Promote accountability by defining roles, responsibilities, and record-
keeping mechanisms for PPE distribution and health monitoring.
a) Services:
i. Methodology for Contract Functionalizing for distribution of PPE kits and Health Checkup for Safaimitras
b) Stakeholders:
i. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) awarding contracts for collection, segregation, and transportation of MSW and Works for Road Sweepings ii. Contractors/Agencies engaged for collection, segregation, and transportation of MSW and Works for Road Sweepings iii. Stakeholders including ULB officials, monitoring committees, and ward-level committees.
iv. Health Department ensures health and sanitation standards through inspections and supports public health safety.
2) Background Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is the implementing agency of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in urban India. SBM emanates from the vision of the Government for ensuring hygiene, waste management, and sanitation across the nation and aims for a Clean India under a collaborative framework of multiple stakeholders. As one of the key mission objectives is to provide better sanitation services in the Urban Areas.
3) Objective The main objective is to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of Safaimitras engaged in door-to- door collection, segregation, transportation, and handling of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) by providing adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and conducting periodic health checkups.
4) Scope This SOP shall apply to all Safaimitras, sanitation workers, drivers, helpers, and other staff engaged in solid waste management under the contract/ULB jurisdiction.
5) Responsibilities
1) Urban Local Body (ULB)/Agency* Ensure timely procurement and distribution of PPE kits.DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 6
ULB shall ensure that PPE Distribution & Health Check Camps are organized at an interval of every six (6) months Organize regular health checkups in coordination with local health departments/authorized hospitals.
Maintain records of distribution and medical reports. *Note:- In case the Safaimitras are engaged on the Municipal Council (MC) roll, the required provisions shall be made by the ULB. However, if the Safaimitras are deployed on a contractual basis, the responsibility for providing the same shall rest with the Agency.
2) ULB Chief Sanitary Inspector or Sanitary Inspector/Contractor Representatives Monitor daily usage of PPE by Safaimitras.
Ensure compliance with health and safety protocols. Report any health-related issues immediately.
3) Safaimitras/Workers Use PPE kits as per guidelines during work.
Attend health checkups as scheduled.
Safaimitras shall promptly report any illness, injury, or unsafe condition to the designated representatives of the ULB or the Agency, as applicable
6) Procedure for Distribution of PPE Kits A. PPE Kit Components Every Safaimitra shall be supplied with the following:
Protective gloves (rubber/nitrile).
Face masks (N95/3-ply cloth mask as applicable). Safety shoes/gumboots.
Reflective jackets.
Safety goggles (if handling hazardous waste). Rain coat Caps/helmets (if applicable).
B. Distribution Frequency Gloves & masks: Weekly/monthly replacement. Shoes/jackets/raincoat: Every 6 months or as per wear & tear. Immediate replacement if damaged.
C. Distribution Process PPE kits shall be issued through the ULB /agency on a quarterly/need basis.DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 7
Workers must sign the PPE Distribution Register at the time of receiving.
Chief Sanitary Inspector or Sanitary Inspector to conduct random checks to ensure usage.
D. Awareness & Training Training sessions on proper use, cleaning, and disposal of PPE. Demonstration during orientation and refreshers every 6 months or as when required.
7) Health Checkup Protocol A. Frequency of Health Checkups General health checkup: Every 6 months.
Specialized checkup (respiratory, skin, vaccination, etc.) Annually. Emergency checkups: As and when required.
B. Parameters to be Checked Basic vitals (BP, pulse, weight, BMI).
Respiratory health (lung function).
Skin conditions (infection, allergy, rashes). Hearing & vision.
Vaccination status (tetanus, Hepatitis B etc.). Any occupational disease symptoms.
C. Execution Tie-up with government hospitals, ESI hospitals, or empaneled private clinics.
Health checkup camps to be organized at ward/central collection points. Maintain Individual Health Records for each worker.
D. Post-Checkup Action Workers requiring treatment shall be referred to appropriate medical facilities.
Preventive medicines (multivitamins, supplements, first aid) to be provided.
Workers unfit for duty shall be temporarily relieved and treated.
8) Record Keeping & Monitoring A. Registers to be Maintained PPE Distribution Register.
DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 8 PPE Usage Inspection Report.
Health Checkup Attendance Register.
Individual Medical Record Files.
B. Monitoring & Reporting Monthly compliance reports to ULB.
Quarterly review meetings with ULB and contractor representatives. Annual audit of PPE distribution and health checkup compliance.
9) Safety & Compliance Mandatory use of PPE at work sites.
Non-compliance by workers may attract disciplinary action. ULB/agency must ensure compliance with Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020 and related MSW management rules.
10) Annexures Annexure 1: Format for PPE Distribution Register. Annexure II: Health Checkup Record Format. Annexure III: Monthly Compliance Report Template.
4. Considering the plausible measures made by State of Haryana, State of Punjab also was asked to seek instructions as to whether similar SOP can be framed by State of Punjab to ensure safety of workers employed for the work of sanitation.
5. Mr. Ishar has filed short affidavit of Sanjeev Kumar, Deputy Director, Department of Local Government, Punjab. The same is taken on record.
6. The stand taken by State of Punjab reads as under:
4. That, at the outset it is submitted that the State of Punjab is fully committed to the safety, welfare, and dignity of all 'Safai karamchari (sanitation workers) engaged in sanitation and DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 9 sewerage work across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) within the State. The Hon'ble Court, vide order 01.12.2025 was directed the State of Punjab to examine the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) prepared by the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, Panchkula, Haryana, with a view to implementing a similar SOP in the State of Punjab to ensure the safety of its Safai kaarmchari. In light of aforementioned observations of this Hon'ble Court, the State of Punjab has taken prompt action. A comprehensive and dedicated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Safety, Health, and Welfare of Safai karamchari has been drafted and finalized, which is aimed at ensuring the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, conducting periodical health check-ups, implementing best safety practices, and addressing other welfare measures for Safai karamcharis
5. That the aforementioned SOP dated 12.12.2025 has been duly approved by the competent authority and an official circular/direction has been issued to all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the State of Punjab for its immediate and mandatory implementation. It is respectfully submits that the directions issued by this Hon'ble Court have been fully complied with, and the State remains committed to the effective and continuous monitoring of the implementation of the SOP to safeguard the Safai karamchari.
A copy of the said sop has been annexed here for the kind perusal of the court as Annexure R-1.
7. Similar SOP has been approved by State of Punjab. The same reads as under:
.
Guidelines/ Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Punjab for Safety, Health & Hygiene and Welfare of Safaimitras/ Sanitation Workers
1. INTRODUCTION The Department of Local Government is the nodal department for providing sanitation facilities, including solid waste management, sewerage and sewage DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 10 treatment, and the maintenance of public toilets in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the State of Punjab.
To ensure the safety and welfare of Safaimitras/ Sanitation workers, the State has already been undertaking various initiatives such as capacity-building trainings, behaviour-change awareness activities, distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), health check-up camps, and facilitation of benefits from time to time under State and Center Government welfare schemes. Safaimitras/ Sanitation workers are the backbone of public hygiene, cleanliness, and the solid and liquid waste management system.
The State Government endeavor to further strengthen the safety, health & hygiene, and welfare measures for Safaimitras/ Sanitation workers and developing Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem in all Urban Local Bodies across the State.
2. DEFINITIONS i. Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) means the safety gear worn by Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers to protect themselves from injuries, infections, and harmful substances while doing sanitation work. PPE includes items such as gloves, masks, boots, helmets, safety goggles, face shields, reflective jackets, and protective clothing etc. ii. Safaimitras/ Sanitation Workers means all individuals engaged, whether on a regular, contractual, outsourced, or temporary or informal basis, in activities related to cleaning, sanitation, and waste management like Street Sweepers/Safai Sewaks, Drain Cleaners, Sewer/ Septic Tank Cleaners, and workers including drivers & helpers involved in liquid and solid waste management such as collection, transportation, segregation, processing, and disposal. It also covers workers responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of public & community toilets and urinals.
iii. Stakeholders means Urban Local Bodies, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Social Justice, Empowerment & Minority, Punjab, Safaimitras/ Sanitation workers, Contractors and all other concerned agencies/ departments. All Stakeholders will work in coordination for requisite actions from time to time.
iv. Welfare Schemes means government programmes and benefits designed to support the well-being of Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers and their families. These schemes may include health insurance, life insurance, financial assistance, skill development programmes, social security benefits, education support for children, and other initiatives provided by the State Government or the Government of India to improve their quality of life and ensure social and economic security.
DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 113. OBJECTIVE To ensure the safety, health & hygiene and welfare of Safaimitras/ Sanitation Workers engaged in all sanitation-related activities in the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the State of Punjab.
To mandate the provision and compulsory use of requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by all Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers during the performance of sanitation duties.
To promote mechanization of hazardous sanitation works, including sewer and septic tank cleaning, to eliminate unsafe manual practices. To conduct periodic health check-up camps and maintain updated medical records of all Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers. To organize regular capacity-building, technical training, and behaviour- change awareness programmes for safe sanitation practices. To ensure dissemination and access to various welfare schemes and social security benefits provided by the State Government and the Government of India.
To strengthen monitoring mechanisms at the ULB level to ensure compliance with safety protocols and guidelines for safe sanitation work. To maintain an updated database of all Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers and ensure their profiling under National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme.
To promote a dignified, safe, and supportive working environment for all Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers engaged in solid waste management, liquid waste management, public toilet maintenance, and related operations.
4. APPLICABILITY AND TARGET GROUP These Guidelines/ Standard Operated Procedure (SOP) will be applicable in all Urban Local Bodies in the State of Punjab w.e.f. date of issuance. The primary target group including Street Sweepers/Safai Sewaks, Drain/ Sewer & Septic Tank Cleaners, Waste Collectors/Workers involved in liquid and solid waste management, and operation and maintenance of sanitation facilities (community/ public toilets/ urinals).
5. COMPONENTS These guidelines shall comprehensively cover for key components as below.
Safety Health & Hygiene Welfare
5.1 SAFETY
i Distribution of PPE Kits
For Sewer and Septic Tank For Street Sweepers/Safai
Cleaners Sewaks, Drain
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FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 12
Cleaners & Waste
Collectors/Workers.
i. Dangi Suit i. Protective clothing
ii. Gum Boots (Apron)
iii. Chemical Gloves ii. Masks
iv. Safety Helmet iii. Rubber Gloves
v. Safety Goggles iv. Fluorescent Jacket
vi. N95 Mask v. SafetyShoes/Gum Boots
vii. Half Face Mask with vi. Raincoat
Cartridge vii. Cap
viii.Any other as per need viii.Any other as per need
ii. Procurement: The requisite PPE Kits shall be provided by respective ULB to Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers at a frequency determined by operational requirements, ensuring timely replenishment and uninterrupted availability. iii. Usage: The Nodal officer designated & other concerned shall conduct random inspections to verify the proper and consistent usage of safety kits, gears, and equipment by the Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers during the execution of their duties.
iv. Record: The ULB shall maintain a updated record of all safety gears, kits, and equipment available in stock, as well as those issued to Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers, ensuring complete traceability and accountability.
5.2 HEALTH & HYGIENE i. General Health Check-ups: General health check-ups shall include routine medical assessments to monitor the overall health status of Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers. These shall cover:
i. General physical examination.
ii. Blood pressure and pulse monitoring.
iii. Vision and hearing assessment.
iv. Basic blood tests (screening).
v. Basic urine tests (screening).
vi. Skin and dermatological examination.
vii. Musculoskeletal assessment.
ii. Special Health Check-up: Special health check-ups focusing on health risks specific to sanitation work and occupational exposure to be conducted from time to time.
These shall include:
i. Respiratory system evaluation.
ii. Lung function tests (where applicable).
iii. Chest X-ray (as recommended by health authorities).
iv. Assessment for exposure to sewer/septic tank gases or hazardous
substances.
v. Vaccination status review (as per government guidelines).
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FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 13
vi. Any occupation-related tests prescribed by competent health
authorities.
iii. Emergency Health Check-up: Emergency health check-ups shall be conducted in situations involving sudden illness, injury, or accidental exposure during sanitation work. These shall include:
i. Immediate medical assessment following accidents or injuries. ii. Treatment for exposure to toxic gases, chemicals, or hazardous waste. iii. First-Aid and stabilization measures. iv. Referral to higher medical facilities in case of serious conditions. v. Post-incident medical follow-up, as required.
iv. First Aid Kit: A standard First Aid Kit for sanitation workers/Safaimitras should be well-equipped with immediate requisite material will be kept ready at work site to provide immediate relief for common injuries, minor medical needs, and emergencies.
v. Sanitation & Personal Hygiene Facility: Sanitation facilities (Toilets, Urinals & Washrooms) & requisite Personal Hygiene facilities including wash basins, hand wash/soap etc shall be provided at the workplace of the workers.
vi. Execution of Health Check-up.
Tie-Up with Government Hospitals, ESI Hospitals, or empanelled private clinics for conducting health check-up camps for Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers. Organize Health Check-Up Camps at Regular Intervals, as prescribed by the competent authority, ensuring maximum participation of workers. Maintain Health records for each Safaimitra/Sanitation Worker and update them after every health check-up for monitoring and follow-up purposes.
vii. Frequency of Health Check-up.
General Health Check-up: Every 6 months.
Specialized Health Check-up (respiratory, skin, vaccination, etc.): Annually. Emergency Check-up: As and when required.
5.3 WELFARE Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers shall be facilitated and encouraged to avail the benefits of various welfare schemes implemented by the State Government and the Government of India as per the eligibility norms. (List of Schemes at Annexure-I)
6. CAPACITY BUILDING/TRAININGS & AWARENESS i. The ULBs shall conduct various Capacity Building, Trainings, and behaviour change awareness activities for all Safaimitras/Sanitation Workers, focusing on DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 14 their safety, health, hygiene improvement, work skilling/up-skilling, use and importance of safety gears/kits/equipment, and benefits of State and Gol welfare schemes.
ii. Demonstrations of various activities shall be organized for practical understanding of the Safaimitras.
iii. Capacity Building/Training programmes shall be conducted at six-month intervals. Awareness activities shall be organized from time to time, as per requirement.
iv. The concerned ULB shall maintain proper records of each Capacity Building.
Training, and Awareness activity conducted. v. All activities shall be organized in a manner that ensures zero use of single-use plastics and promotes garbage-free (Zero Waste to Landfill) practices. vi. All requisite safety measures shall be strictly followed during the conduct of these activities.
7. RESPONSIBILITY.
i. Urban Local Body (ULB) The ULB shall be responsible for the execution of the above as following responsibilities:
Conducting Capacity Building and Awareness Activities at regular intervals. Ensuring timely procurement and distribution of Safety Gears/Kits/Equipment. Overseeing the distribution and proper usage of PPE Kits/Safety Gears, First Aid Kit and Personal Hygiene Facility.
Organizing Health Check Camps with coordination of requisite local & state health authorities at the regular intervals in coordination with local health departments or authorized hospitals.
Coordinating with concerned departments/agencies to organize camps and facilitate the benefits of various welfare schemes for Safaimitras/ Sanitation Workers.
Maintaining records of all the above activities. Issuing necessary instructions to contractors/agencies from time to time to ensure compliance with prescribed guidelines.
ii. Safaimitras/ Sanitation workers Participate in the Capacity Building and Awareness activities. Usage of safety gears/kits / equipments.
Follow all safety norms.
Ensure their health checkups from time to time. Participate in camps for the welfare schemes.
iii. Contractors/ Agencies Ensure compliance with Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020, SWM Rules, LWM Rules etc. DEEPAK KUMAR 2025.12.24 11:57 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 15 Ensure safety of Safaimitras/ Sanitation workers, each worker will use safety gears/ kits/ equipments and they follow all safety norms. Ensure health checkups of Safaimitras/ Sanitation workers from time to time.
iv. Department of Health & Family Welfare Punjab Conduct health check-up camps for Safaimitras/ Sanitation workers from time to time in coordination of ULB Authorities.
v. Social Justice & Empowerment Department Punjab Conduct camps for Safaimitras/ Sanitation workers to provide benefits of various welfare schemes from time to time in coordination of ULB Authorities and other concerned departments/agencies.
vi. Other concerned agencies/ departments.
8. CORDINATION, MONITORING & REPORTING.
i. At Head Quarter Level: A State Nodal Officer shall be nominated for the coordination, monitoring, and reporting of all responsibilities outlined under this guidelines.
ii. At ULB Level: A ULB Nodal Officer shall be nominated for the coordination, monitoring, and reporting of all responsibilities outlined under this guidelines. iii. Concerned in-charge will be responsible for monitoring of above mentioned activities.
iv. Quarterly review meetings with stakeholders. v. Annual Audit of the record/ equipments will be conducted by the concerned.
9. MISCELLANEOUS i. Usage of requisite safety gears/ kits/ equipments is mandatory for all Safaimitras/ Sanitation workers. Non-compliance will attract disciplinary action against the concerned.
ii. ULB/ Agency must ensure compliance with Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020, SWM Rules and NAMASTE Schemes.
10. SOURCE OF FUNDS i. ULBs Funds.
ii. NAMASTE Scheme.
iii. Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban
iv. Department of Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities, Punjab
v. Department of Health & Family Welfare, Punjab.
vi. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
vii. Any other.
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FAO-4701-2025 (O&M) 16
8. The Court appreciates prompt measures taken by both States in drafting and approving SOP for the welfare of sanitation workers.
9. The appeal is accordingly, disposed off.
10. However, directions are given to both the State to file periodic report regarding compliance of the SOPs every six months.
11. The report shall be filed by both the States on or before 30th of May, 2026 and thereafter before 24th of December, 2026 and so on.
12. Ordered accordingly.
December 19, 2025 (Pankaj Jain)
Dpr Judge
Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes
Whether reportable : Yes
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