Over 3,800 local bodies participated in a national event aimed at improving the health, safety, and welfare of sanitation workers. The event facilitated over 3 lakh beneficiaries' access to essential services, including health check-ups, NAMASTE Cards, Ayushman Cards, Government scheme registrations, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits.
On October 1st, 2026, more than 3,800 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) and line departments participated in a national-level SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir. This event, held in hybrid mode, aimed to bring various health, safety, welfare, and social protection services directly to sanitation workers. The programme was conducted physically at participating locations, reaching beneficiaries across the country.
The Senior Official from the Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment reported enthusiastic participation from several states, including Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Bihar. These states organized health camps in their major municipal corporations as part of the event.
The Official stated that the proactive involvement of the states helped bring health check-ups and related services directly to sanitation workers in their respective cities, who regularly face occupational health hazards in the course of their work. The SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir underscores the Government's commitment towards building a safer, healthier, and more dignified sanitation ecosystem.
During the event, 3,69,469 beneficiaries attended the programme. A total of 3,02,958 health check-ups were facilitated, providing sanitation workers with access to essential health services. Additionally, 2,24,521 NAMASTE Cards were downloaded by beneficiaries, and 57,967 Ayushman Cards were distributed to facilitate access to healthcare and social protection benefits.
The Shivir also facilitated 1,53,253 registrations under various Government schemes, enabling beneficiaries to connect with welfare and social security measures. In a significant step towards strengthening occupational safety, 1,28,928 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits were distributed among SafaiMitras across participating locations.
The Shivir was organised to recognise and honour the contribution of SafaiMitras and sanitation workers and to facilitate their access to health, safety, welfare and social protection measures.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
