In an attempt to create inclusivity in the work force, and create employment opportunities, the Odisha government has announced their move to recruit persons from the transgender community. The new strategy includes employing them to help deal with construction and demolition debris in urban areas across the state.
The Odisha government has sought help from members of Mission Shakti, women’s empowerment mission from the state, as well as the transgender community. This move comes in the wake of an effective strategy for waste management in urban local bodies (ULBs). According to a report in the New Indian Express, commissioner and secretary of Housing and Urban Development, G Mathivathanan, wrote a letter to the state administration, district collectors, municipal commissioners, and executive officers of municipalities and Notified Area Councils (NACs), notifying them that the ULBs will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mission Shakti or transgender community members, granting them permission to collect and transport the waste to various processing units that will fall in their jurisdiction.
The letter also stated that the expenses of collecting and transporting the debris would be borne by the waste generators. It further states that big firms and agencies that are likely to generate over 20 tonnes of waste each day, or 300 tonnes of waste per project in a 30-day period, would require to submit a waste management plan to the ULB authorities before beginning any construction and demolition work. The disposal and the processing fees for the waste generated would also have to be borne by them.
According to government officials, this move will not only effectively help to deal with the debris, but also help generate employment opportunities for marginalised groups. As a way to adhere to the appropriate and timely management of the waste, the government has also directed ULBs to form surveillance teams to dispose of waste that may have been dumped at unauthorised spots, and from time to time, closely monitor the waste management plan put forth by the civic body.
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