Finance
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched a Rs 10 lakh life insurance policy for essential sanitation workers on Saturday at the two-day national workshop ‘GARIMA’, which aims to improve the safety and dignity of individuals working in sanitation across the state.
The GARIMA session, held at Bhubaneswar’s Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre, focused on the theme ‘Transforming Core Sanitation Work – Safety, Dignity & Inclusion’ and brought together sanitation workers and officials from seven states.
Addressing the audience, the Chief Minister announced several welfare measures, including Rs 10 lakh life insurance for sewage and septic tank cleaning workers, Rs 30 lakh compensation in the event of death on the job, the provision of mobile phones, housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), and a 15-day statewide Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign from August 15 to 30 to raise sanitation awareness.
Majhi further stated that Odisha will conduct this national workshop every year to encourage ongoing debate and collaboration on sanitation concerns.
The Chief Minister highlighted that cleanliness is deeply rooted in Odisha’s culture, citing the Chera Pahara ritual during the Rath Yatra as a symbol of respect for sanitation work. He praised the state’s GARIMA Yojana for fulfilling national sanitation targets and inspiring other states.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has brought sanitation to the forefront of national priorities. Without sanitation in every home and community, true development cannot be achieved,” Majhi said.
More than 10,000 sanitation workers in 115 cities throughout Odisha have been identified and trained as skilled or highly skilled workers through the GARIMA project. The program offers identity cards, safety equipment, skill development, emergency response units, and social security benefits.
The program gave an opportunity for sanitation personnel from several states to share ideas and experiences. Majhi stressed how these common experiences will help to establish an inclusive and developed India.
The Chief Minister also opened a display of contemporary sanitation and safety equipment and congratulated prominent sanitation workers.
Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra described sanitation workers as the “unseen heroes” of cities and villages who work in dangerous conditions. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to safeguard their rights, safety, and dignity. “Through this workshop, states, cities, and institutions have come together to share their experiences and collaborate,” he said.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja acknowledged Odisha’s growing national recognition in the sanitation sector and emphasized the importance of collaboration in implementing the government’s initiatives in both urban and rural areas.
Amit Yadav, Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, reiterated the Centre’s commitment to sanitation workers’ welfare. He stated that sanitation is critical to the country and highlighted that it is everyone’s moral responsibility to protect and appreciate sanitation workers.
Manvita Baradi, the founder of the Urban Management Centre, stated that Odisha’s GARIMA initiative has become a model for other states, empowering sanitation workers beyond skill development.
The event closed with a welcoming address by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, and a vote of appreciation by Durgesh Nandini Sahoo, Additional Secretary of the department.
