Bhubaneswar, 10 July (H.S.): The Odisha Government has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the state to observe ‘NAMASTE Day’ on July 14, 2026, to recognise the contribution of Safai Mitras and promote safe, mechanised sanitation practices.

The programme is being organised under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, has instructed all Municipal Commissioners, Municipal Executive Officers and NAC authorities to organise local programmes in coordination with the national-level online event. The celebrations will involve public representatives, government officials and other stakeholders.

The events will witness participation from sewer and septic tank workers, drain cleaners, waste pickers, STP/FSTP operators and other sanitation workers, along with elected representatives, civil society organisations and Resident Welfare Associations.

As part of the observance, ULBs have been asked to conduct health check-up camps, occupational safety training sessions, welfare assistance camps and awareness programmes on safe sanitation practices. Eligible sanitation workers and waste pickers will be provided Ayushman Bharat Cards and NAMASTE ID Cards, while Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits will also be distributed.

The programmes will also feature demonstrations of modern mechanised sanitation equipment to encourage the complete elimination of hazardous manual sanitation practices. Sanitation workers who have made outstanding contributions will be felicitated during the events.

The Housing & Urban Development Department has permitted the use of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) IEC funds for organising the programmes as per approved financial guidelines. Sanitation workers will participate in the events in uniform at designated venues, displaying NAMASTE and Swachh Bharat Mission banners.

Through the statewide celebration of NAMASTE Day, the Odisha Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity and welfare of sanitation workers while promoting a modern, technology-driven and people-centric urban sanitation system.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda