Ensuring Safety of Sanitation Workers and Their Families is the Government’s Responsibility: Sao

Raipur, December 13
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Urban Administration and Development, Shri Arun Sao, distributed PPE kits to 38 sanitation workers engaged in cleaning sewers and septic tanks under the NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme. Addressing the PPE kit distribution program at his residence office in Raipur, Shri Sao emphasized that no work is small or insignificant. It is the dedication and seriousness with which a job is performed that defines greatness.

Shri Sao highlighted the transformational initiatives introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that they have addressed issues that were unimaginable over the past 70 years. He affirmed that the Modi government at the national level and the Vishnu Deo Sai government in Chhattisgarh are committed to the welfare of the underprivileged. The government recognizes its responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of sanitation workers and their families. The Chhattisgarh government is providing support for the education of sanitation workers’ children, family security, and healthcare.

Shri Sao urged all sanitation workers to prioritize their personal safety and utilize the PPE kits provided by the government to protect themselves while performing their duties. He expressed hope that the use of PPE kits would create a safe working environment for sanitation workers involved in sewer and septic tank cleaning.

The event was attended by SUDA (State Urban Development Agency) CEO Shri Shashank Pandey, Additional CEO Shri Dushyant Kumar, and Raipur Municipal Corporation’s Additional Commissioner Shri Rajendra Prasad Gupta, along with other officials from the Urban Administration Department and Raipur Municipal Corporation.

About the NAMASTE Scheme:
The NAMASTE scheme is jointly implemented by the Union Ministries of Housing and Urban Affairs and Social Justice and Empowerment to ensure safe and dignified working conditions for sanitation workers in urban areas. In Chhattisgarh, SUDA is distributing PPE kits to sanitation workers as part of this initiative.

Under this program, 711 sanitation workers in 169 urban bodies across the state will receive PPE kits. Each kit includes two sets of PPE uniforms, gumboots, helmets, gloves, masks, and safety goggles.

Objectives of the NAMASTE Scheme:

Eradication of Manual Scavenging: The scheme aims to completely eliminate manual scavenging practices.
Mechanization of Sanitation Work: Promote the use of mechanized methods for cleaning.
Livelihood Opportunities: Provide permanent livelihood options for sanitation workers.
The scheme is managed by the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) and reflects a comprehensive approach to ensuring the dignity, safety, and welfare of sanitation workers.