Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today declared that the fourth Saturday of August will be observed every year as Garima Diwas, dedicated to safeguarding the dignity and safety of sanitation workers.
Addressing a national workshop on “Mission Zero – Ending Fatality in Sanitation Work” at Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Centre, the Chief Minister emphasised that “the hands that give us cleanliness deserve dignity and protection.”
Highlighting the national importance of cleanliness, the Chief Minister said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 15 August 2014, Swachhata has become a people’s movement and now holds equal importance with the country’s economy, defence and foreign policy. He recalled that the Prime Minister himself took up the broom, elevating the social status of sanitation workers and sending the message that cleanliness is nation-building work.
Calling upon experts and machine manufacturers, the Chief Minister urged greater use of modern technology — including drones, robotics and artificial intelligence — to protect sanitation workers. He noted that the Government of India’s Namaste scheme already prioritises mechanisation in the sanitation sector. “The time has come to prioritise the safety of sanitation workers by deploying machines for hazardous tasks and providing them proper training,” he said.
The Chief Minister stated that Garima Diwas will annually remind society of its duty to protect the dignity of the hands that keep the country clean. On the occasion, he handed over an insurance amount of Rs 10 lakh to the wife of the late former sanitation worker Pratap Dalei. He underlined that the goal is not compensation after loss of life but protection before any tragedy occurs — prevention rather than post-accident relief. This, he said, is the spirit of Mission Zero. He also informed that insurance amounts had been provided to the families of two sanitation workers this year, though their deaths were not related to sanitation work.
The Chief Minister inaugurated an exhibition showcasing modern technology-enabled machines and safety equipment and distributed work orders for housing to sanitation workers.
Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Sudhansh Pant, praised Odisha for setting an example in the country in ensuring the safety, economic uplift and welfare of sanitation workers through a holistic approach under the Garima Yojana.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said that sanitation workers (Swachh Sathis) keep cities clean and enable the state’s progress. She described “zero fatality” as a firm resolve rather than a mere slogan, assuring that the government would do whatever is necessary for the safety of sanitation workers.
Director, Urban Management Centre, Manvita Baradi, appreciated Odisha’s steps under the Garima Yojana, noting that the scheme addresses not only the welfare of sanitation workers but also that of their families.
Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, welcomed the gathering, while Director, Municipal Administration, Arindam Dakua, proposed the vote of thanks.
