Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced a life insurance scheme worth Rs 10 lakh for key sanitation workers during the two-day national workshop ‘GARIMA’, aimed at enhancing the safety and dignity of those engaged in sanitation work across the state.
The GARIMA workshop, held at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre in Bhubaneswar, focused on the theme ‘Transforming Core Sanitation Work – Safety, Dignity & Inclusion’ and brought together sanitation workers and officials from seven states.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister unveiled several welfare measures including Rs 10 lakh life insurance for sewage and septic tank cleaning workers, Rs 30 lakh compensation in case of death during duty, provision of mobile phones, housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), and a 15-day statewide Information, Education & Communication (IEC) campaign from August 15 to 30 to strengthen sanitation awareness.
Majhi also declared that Odisha will host this national workshop annually to promote continuous dialogue and collaboration on sanitation issues.
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.
Under the GARIMA scheme, more than 10,000 sanitation workers across 115 cities in Odisha have been identified and trained as skilled or highly skilled workers. The program provides identity cards, safety equipment, skill development, emergency service units, and social security benefits.
The workshop provided a platform for sanitation workers from different states to exchange ideas and experiences. Majhi emphasized that these shared learnings will contribute to building an inclusive and developed India.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated an exhibition of modern sanitation and safety equipment and felicitated leading 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 noted Odisha’s growing national recognition in the sanitation sector and stressed the importance of cooperation to implement the government’s initiatives across both urban and rural areas.
Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Amit Yadav, reiterated the Centre’s commitment to sanitation worker welfare. He said sanitation is vital to the country and emphasized that providing protection and respect to sanitation workers is a shared moral responsibility.
Urban Management Centre Founder Manvita Baradi noted that Odisha’s GARIMA scheme is now a model for other states, empowering sanitation workers beyond skill development.
The event concluded with a welcome address by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department and a vote of thanks by Durgesh Nandini Sahoo, Additional Secretary of the department.
