Kutch sewer workers' death: Gujarat govt pays Rs 10 lakh compensation. Why not Rs 30 lakh?, asks NHRC

By A Representative

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had issued a show-cause notice to the Chief Secretary of Gujarat regarding the death of two sanitation workers from asphyxiation three years ago while cleaning a sewer in Mirzapar, Bhuj. Acting on the notice, the state government paid ₹10 lakh each to the families of the deceased workers.

The NHRC, however, has now sought an explanation from the authorities on why the Commission should not direct payment of a higher compensation of ₹30 lakh each to the victim families. The Social Welfare Department’s Under Secretary has been asked to submit an action taken report within eight weeks.

The development follows a complaint filed by Ahmedabad-based human rights activist Kantilal U. Parmar, who approached the NHRC citing violation of the workers’ right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Parmar said, “This tragic incident reflects a grave violation of human dignity and human rights. The families of the deceased deserve adequate compensation and justice, and strict enforcement of laws is essential to ensure that no more lives are lost in such preventable circumstances.”

The case relates to the deaths of two sanitation workers in Bhuj’s Mirzapar area in November 2022, when they were called by the local gram panchayat to clean a sewer and suffocated due to toxic gases. A case was initially registered as Accidental Death (No. 49/2022) on November 23, 2022, at A-Division Police Station, Bhuj. Following representations to the District Collector, SP, and DGP, an FIR (No. 1120504221026 dated November 24, 2022) was filed under IPC sections 304, 337, 338, 114, provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and Section 9 of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act.

Police later arrested the accused linked to the case. Meanwhile, the NHRC has also asked the state to report on measures taken in compliance with its earlier guidelines to prevent sewer-related deaths and to eliminate manual scavenging.

The matter remains under review, with the Commission closely monitoring compliance with its directions.

Neville Cardus: The man who turned cricket writing into poetry

By Harsh Thakor* Neville Cardus was one of the most remarkable literary figures of the twentieth century. A prolific English writer and critic, he achieved distinction in two vastly different fields: cricket and classical music. Entirely self-taught, Cardus rose from humble beginnings to become both the cricket correspondent and chief music critic of The Manchester Guardian . His achievements in these contrasting disciplines earned him widespread acclaim and established him as one of the foremost critics of his generation. In February 2025, the cricketing and literary world marked the fiftieth anniversary of his death, which occurred in February 1975.

Ideological shifts and structural realities within India's left-wing insurgency

By Harsh Thakor* The Maoist insurgency in India is arguably at its weakest point since the formation of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004. Years of sustained counterinsurgency operations, leadership losses, shrinking territorial influence, declining recruitment, and growing technological advantages enjoyed by the state have significantly eroded the movement's operational capabilities.

The Dalit body on screen: Stereotypes, sacrifice, and subjugation in Hindi films

By Dr. Prem Singh* Despite centuries of reformist efforts, from Gandhi and Ambedkar to contemporary activists, the caste system remains deeply embedded in the Indian psyche. One of the primary reasons for this persistence is the religious sanction provided by Brahminical scriptures, which have shaped not only social structures but also cultural and artistic expressions.

Counterview

Search This Blog