Uttarakhand High Court Seeks Welfare for Ragpickers

Uttarakhand High Court directs the state to draft welfare schemes for ragpickers, following reports that they are not benefiting from government services. Chief Justice Guhanathan Narender and Justice Manoj Tiwari urge Advocate Navnish Negi to investigate the matter. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for January 9.

The Uttarakhand High Court has mandated the state government to formulate a welfare scheme for ragpickers. This decision followed the court's suo motu cognizance of a report by the State Legal Services Authority, highlighting the exclusion of ragpickers from state benefits.

Appointed amicus curiae, Advocate Navnish Negi is tasked with evaluating the provision of facilities to this group and reporting back to the court. A division bench, led by Chief Justice Guhanathan Narendar and Justice Manoj Tiwari, will review findings on January 9.

During a video-conferencing session, the Urban Development Department's director presented data identifying 549 ragpickers statewide, many of whom are already utilizing government schemes. Despite this, concerns remain about the systemic neglect affecting their children.

(With inputs from agencies.)