Pune: PCMC Gets NCSC Notice Over Alleged Deployment of Workers in Hazardous Nullah Cleaning

Pimpri Chinchwad, 15th June 12026: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has issued a notice to the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) commissioner after taking cognisance of a complaint alleging that sanitation workers were being deployed for nullah-cleaning work without adequate safety equipment and in violation of prescribed norms.

The commission has directed the municipal commissioner to submit a detailed report on the facts of the case and action taken within 15 days of receiving the notice. The NCSC has also warned that if a response is not received within the stipulated period, it may invoke its powers under Article 338 of the Constitution and summon the concerned officials to appear before the commission, either personally or through an authorised representative.

According to the complaint, the civic body has been carrying out pre-monsoon nullah-cleaning works across the city. While mechanised cleaning is mandatory for such operations, the complainant alleged that workers were being engaged for manual cleaning despite the availability of machinery. It was further alleged that sanitation workers were being made to work in hazardous conditions without being provided the required safety gear.

The complainant Sagar Charan, a member of the District Vigilance Committee claimed that such practices amount to violations of provisions of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. He also alleged that the workers’ dignity and safety were being compromised.

The commission noted that complaints regarding the issue had been raised through social media on May 5 and June 10, but no effective action had allegedly been taken by the authorities.

Advocate Sagar Charan, who raised the issue, demanded an impartial inquiry into the matter and sought strict action against officials and contractors found responsible for any violations. He alleged that sanitation workers were being exposed to unsafe working conditions and that accountability should be fixed for any breach of labour and safety regulations.

The municipal corporation officials said they are yet to receive the notice and appropriate response will be given to the commission once it is received.