Bhubaneswar, 26 July (H.S.): In a significant step towards ensuring the welfare, dignity, and safety of sanitation workers, Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi announced a series of major initiatives during the ‘Garima’ programme held at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Addressing a national workshop attended by sanitation workers and officials from seven states and various districts of Odisha, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving the living standards of sanitation workers.
Among the key announcements, the Chief Minister declared that sanitation workers engaged in the cleaning of sewers and septic tanks will receive ₹10 lakh in life insurance coverage. Additionally, in the unfortunate event of a death while on duty, the family of the deceased worker will be entitled to compensation of ₹30 lakh. To help bridge the digital divide and improve communication access, all sanitation workers will be provided with smartphones. The state also announced the provision of permanent housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) for sanitation workers living in cities.
Highlighting the success of the state’s flagship ‘Garima Scheme,’ CM Majhi said it has now become a national model for sanitation worker welfare. The scheme includes the identification and issuance of ID cards to sanitation workers, distribution of safety gear, skill development training, establishment of emergency sanitation service units, and provision of social security and other welfare measures. So far, over 10,000 sanitation workers across 115 urban local bodies have been identified and formally recognized as skilled and highly skilled professionals.
Drawing cultural context, CM Majhi emphasized that the tradition of cleanliness holds a sacred place in Jagannath culture, citing the symbolic ‘Chhera Panhara’ ritual performed during the Rath Yatra as a reflection of the dignity of sanitation work. He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission on August 15, 2014, which marked a turning point in India’s focus on hygiene and sanitation. “Until effective sanitation reaches every home, city, and village, true social and economic progress will remain incomplete,” the Chief Minister said.
As part of the event, CM Majhi inaugurated an exhibition showcasing modern sanitation tools and safety equipment and visited several stalls to inspect the innovations on display. He also felicitated several sanitation workers for their exceptional service.
Speaking at the event, Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said sanitation workers are the “invisible heroes” of towns and villages who often work under hazardous conditions. He emphasized the collective responsibility to ensure their rights, safety, and dignity, and called the workshop an excellent opportunity for experience sharing and collaboration among states and institutions.
Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja lauded Odisha’s progress in the sanitation sector, attributing the success to well-planned initiatives by the state government. He stressed that while urban sanitation is crucial, equal focus must be given to improving sanitation infrastructure in rural areas to ensure a clean, safe, and inclusive Odisha.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
