Bhubaneswar : In a landmark move aimed at safeguarding the dignity and well-being of sanitation workers, the Odisha government has announced a comprehensive welfare package that includes life insurance of ₹10 lakh and compensation of ₹30 lakh in case of loss of life during work.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement while inaugurating a two-day national workshop on sanitation workers at the Convention Center of Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. Themed “Transformation of Key Sanitation Work: Safety, Respect and Convenience”, the workshop brought together sanitation workers and officials from seven states and across Odisha.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized the state’s unwavering commitment to the safety and dignity of sanitation workers. “This workshop is not just an event, but a reflection of our moral duty to ensure justice, safety, and respect for those who tirelessly work to keep our cities clean,” said Majhi.
He announced several key initiatives:
₹10 lakh life insurance for key sanitation workers, including those involved in sewage and septic tank cleaning. ₹30 lakh compensation for families in case of death during service. Provision of mobile phones and housing benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). Launch of a 15-day statewide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign from August 15 to 30 to raise awareness on sanitation. Annual national workshops on sanitation to be hosted in Odisha.
Majhi highlighted the cultural significance of cleanliness in Odisha, citing the tradition of Chhera Pahura in Jagannath culture as a symbol of the dignity of sanitation work.
He also elaborated on the success of the Garima Yojana, Odisha’s flagship sanitation welfare scheme. The scheme provides identification, safety equipment, skill development training, emergency service units, and social security to sanitation workers. Over 10,000 workers across 115 urban local bodies have been formally recognized as skilled and highly skilled under the scheme.
Union Social Justice and Empowerment Secretary Amit Yadav, who also attended the event, lauded Odisha’s proactive stance. “Providing dignity, respect, and safety to sanitation workers is not just a policy matter—it is our collective moral responsibility,” Yadav said.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated an exhibition on modern sanitation and safety equipment during the workshop. Prominent sanitation workers were felicitated for their exemplary service.
