Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a two-day national workshop titled ‘Transforming Core Sanitation Work—Safety, Dignity & Inclusion’ at Lok Seva Bhavan’s Convention Center, Bhubaneswar.
The event brought together officers and sanitation workers from seven states, reaffirming Odisha’s leadership in worker-centric governance.
Speaking at the gathering, CM Majhi announced a groundbreaking welfare package for frontline sanitation workers, including:
- Rs 10 lakh life insurance coverage
- Rs 30 lakh accidental compensation
- Free mobile phones and housing under PMAY (Urban)
He emphasized the moral responsibility of the state in safeguarding sanitation workers who tirelessly maintain urban hygiene, often in hazardous conditions. Majhi also drew cultural parallels to Odisha’s Jagannath traditions, where the Cherapahanra ritual honours the act of cleaning.
The CM lauded Odisha’s flagship Garima Yojana, which has identified and empowered over 10,000 sanitation workers across 115 urban local bodies. Under the scheme, workers receive training, protective equipment, social security and emergency service support.
A statewide IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) campaign will be held from August 15–30 to raise awareness about sanitation dignity. The CM further announced that this national workshop will be held annually in Odisha.
Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Minister for Housing & Urban Development, described sanitation workers as “invisible heroes,” and called for national collaboration to uplift them. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja praised Odisha’s rise as a sanitation role model, while Union Secretary Amit Yadav commended the Garima initiative’s inclusive vision.
Urban Management Center Director Manvita Baradi remarked that Odisha’s Garima model is now being emulated by other states for its transformative impact.
The event also featured a display of modern sanitation tools and safety gear, inaugurated by the Chief Minister, who honored select sanitation workers on stage.
