The Government of Odisha will observe ‘NAMASTE Day’ across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) on July 14 to honour Safai Mitras and reinforce safe, mechanised sanitation practices.
The Housing and Urban Development Department issued directions to all municipalities and NACs to organise local programmes in coordination with the national online event.
Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee instructed officials to mobilise public representatives, sanitation workers, and stakeholders for the celebration. The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE).
Safai Mitras, drain cleaners, waste pickers, STP and FSTP operators will participate alongside elected representatives, civil society organisations, and Resident Welfare Associations. Each ULB will conduct health check-up camps, occupational safety training, welfare facilitation, and awareness drives on safe sanitation.
Eligible workers will receive Ayushman Bharat Cards and NAMASTE ID Cards, while PPE kits will be distributed. Demonstrations of mechanised sanitation equipment will highlight the shift away from hazardous manual practices. Outstanding sanitation workers will be felicitated for their service.
The Department authorised the use of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) IEC funds for the programmes. Workers will assemble in uniform at designated venues displaying NAMASTE and Swachh Bharat Mission logos.
Through the statewide observance, Odisha reaffirms its commitment to the safety, dignity, and welfare of sanitation workers while advancing a modern, technology-driven urban sanitation ecosystem.
