Bhubaneswar, 15 June (H.S.) : Odisha’s Housing & Urban Development Department has intensified the implementation of the flagship GARIMA (Gaurav and Respect for Individuals Involved in Manual Activities) scheme across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure safety, dignity, and social security for core sanitation workers.

The initiative focuses on eliminating hazardous manual sanitation practices and promoting mechanised cleaning systems to protect workers engaged in urban sanitation. As part of the rollout, all ULBs have been directed to complete universal identification and registration of sanitation workers to ensure full coverage under welfare and safety measures.

The government is also expanding the use of modern sanitation machinery and making Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) mandatory for workers to improve occupational safety standards.

Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity and social protection for sanitation workers, calling them essential contributors to public health and urban cleanliness.

Beyond workplace safety, the scheme provides access to housing support under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), healthcare services, insurance coverage, financial inclusion, and regular health check-ups for eligible workers and their families.

A dedicated helpline (14420) has been made operational to provide grievance redressal and support services to sanitation workers across the state.

Officials said the initiative aims to build a safer, mechanised, and inclusive sanitation system while recognising the critical role of sanitation workers in urban development and public health.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda