logo
Provide safety gear to all sanitation workers before monsoon, says minister

Provide safety gear to all sanitation workers before monsoon, says minister

The minister emphasised the government's commitment to safeguarding the dignity and lives of sanitation workers. 'All sewer and septic tank workers must receive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and safety devices before the monsoon,' he instructed. He also stressed the need to accelerate training and rehabilitation programmes for workers and to set up adequate Emergency Response Sanitation Units.
The MCD has been tasked with fast-tracking the survey in unauthorized colonies, using sanitary inspectors to identify manual scavengers. All departments were also directed to ensure that workers are brought under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.
Singh noted that the State Level Survey Committee for the identification of manual scavengers is in its final stages of formation. A meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is expected soon. He also urged District Magistrates to clear all pending compensation claims on a priority basis. The minister criticised the lack of action by previous administrations, despite a 2014 notification on manual scavenging.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Stipend of nursing interns hiked to ₹13,510
Stipend of nursing interns hiked to ₹13,510

The Hindu

time3 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Stipend of nursing interns hiked to ₹13,510

New Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced that the Delhi Cabinet has approved a proposal to raise the monthly stipend of nursing interns from ₹500 to ₹13,150. Calling the move 'long overdue', Ms. Gupta said the decision would not only provide financial support but also ensure that nursing interns feel their work is acknowledged by the government. 'This hike will take effect immediately and apply to all eligible nursing interns for the duration of their internship. The dedication and service of nursing professionals will now be formally recognised in line with standards set by the central government,' the Chief Minister said in a statement. The Cabinet also cleared the launch of the 'Delhi Mitra App – Public Grievance Redress System', a one-stop platform to handle complaints related to multiple authorities.

One in every 15 kids aged 12 found using tobacco in MP, shows survey
One in every 15 kids aged 12 found using tobacco in MP, shows survey

Time of India

time4 hours ago

  • Time of India

One in every 15 kids aged 12 found using tobacco in MP, shows survey

Bhopal: In a first-of-its-kind state-level oral health survey in India, researchers from AIIMS-Bhopal have uncovered a startling statistic: about 1 in every 15 children in urban areas, aged 12 years in Madhya Pradesh use tobacco. The finding is part of the "Oral Health Survey in Rural and Urban Population from Central India," conducted across 41 districts and involving over 48,000 participants. The study, led by Dr Abhinav Singh (AIIMS-Bhopal), Dr Bharathi M Purohit (AIIMS-New Delhi), and Dr Abhishek Purohit (PGIMER Chandigarh), has been published in the prestigious World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Journal of Public Health. It marks the first comprehensive oral health mapping by any Indian state since the national survey of 2002. Survey found urban 12-year-olds are more likely to consume tobacco than their rural counterparts. 6.8% of 12-year-olds in urban districts reported tobacco use, which included mostly smokeless, like use of gutka. As for adults, the survey found that in some districts, up to 100% of people aged 60 and above need dentures or other dental prosthetics, with most areas showing at least 85% in need of them, said Dr Singh. Professor and nodal officer, Regional Training Centre for Oral Health Promotion & Dental Public Health at AIIMS-Bhopal Dr Singh said, "For the first time in India, we've built a state-level Oral Health Data Bank for Madhya Pradesh, modeled on WHO standards, offering district-wise insights into disease burden, infrastructure, and public services—an essential tool for evidence-based policy and planning," 131 dental surgeons were trained for the survey in a six-month exercise. To ensure transparency, we used a GPS-enabled mobile app to track survey examiners in real time, and our custom data entry software—with built-in validation codes—helped us maintain exceptional accuracy throughout the study, he added on the subject. The last nationwide oral health survey in India was conducted in 2002, then only three MP districts were included with sample size of about 2500. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

Monsoon increases risk for asthma and COPD patients
Monsoon increases risk for asthma and COPD patients

Time of India

timea day ago

  • Time of India

Monsoon increases risk for asthma and COPD patients

Prayagraj: While this year's monsoon has been quite active, providing relief from the summer heat, it also becomes a season of concern for individuals suffering from respiratory conditions such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This is especially true now, with short dry spells and high humidity. As per Dr Abhishek Singh from the department of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital, Motilal Nehru Medical College, Prayagraj, high humidity levels, sudden temperature fluctuations and increased presence of allergens in the environment worsens respiratory issues. Dr Singh emphasises that allergens like pollen, mould spores, dust particles, and moisture contribute to increased respiratory distress in vulnerable individuals. Therefore, the monsoon demands extra vigilance and preventive care from patients already dealing with asthma or COPD. "Patients should avoid stepping out during heavy rain or in highly humid conditions. If it becomes necessary, they must cover their nose and mouth with a clean mask or cloth to prevent the inhalation of airborne allergens," said Dr Singh. He further advised keeping indoor humidity under control through the use of dehumidifiers or air purifiers to prevent the growth of mould and accumulation of dust. Dr Singh recommends to sun dry the the wet clothes or beddings regularly. Bathrooms, kitchens, and poorly ventilated rooms should be cleaned thoroughly to stop mould from thriving in damp conditions. In the event of any signs of respiratory infection—such as cold, cough, or breathlessness—patients must seek immediate medical attention. Dr Singh also underscores the importance of prescribed inhalers and medications without interruption and keeping emergency medicines readily available. Regular breathing exercises, including pranayama or light respiratory workouts, are advised to strengthen lung function. Additionally, patients should steer clear of extremely cold or stale food and instead opt for warm, easily digestible meals with plenty of fluids. Exposure to indoor plants and pets should be limited, as they may increase allergens indoors. "With sudden spikes in Air Quality Index (AQI) and pollen count often during the monsoon, staying indoors is the safer option for those with respiratory conditions. Practising good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and mask usage, can also help prevent infections," said Dr Singh. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store