In a major push towards ensuring the safety, dignity and welfare of sanitation workers, the Odisha Government has intensified the implementation of its flagship GARIMA (Gaurav and Respect for Individuals Involved in Manual Activities) Scheme across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Housing & Urban Development Department, aims to eliminate hazardous sanitation practices, promote mechanized cleaning systems and provide comprehensive social security benefits to core sanitation workers.

Focus on Eliminating Hazardous Manual Sanitation Practices

As part of the renewed drive, the state government is undertaking the universal identification and registration of all core sanitation workers to ensure that every eligible worker is covered under welfare and protection measures.

To reduce occupational risks and eradicate hazardous manual sanitation work, Urban Local Bodies are being equipped with advanced mechanical cleaning machines and modern sanitation technologies. The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has also been made mandatory to safeguard workers and improve workplace safety standards.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Workers’ Welfare

Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the GARIMA Scheme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity, safety and social security for sanitation workers.

“Sanitation workers are the unsung heroes who keep our cities clean and healthy. It is our responsibility to ensure that no worker is exposed to hazardous manual practices and that every sanitation worker and their family has access to housing, healthcare, insurance and other welfare benefits,” the minister said.

He added that the scheme aims to create a modern, mechanized and humane sanitation ecosystem where every worker is treated with respect and pride.

Comprehensive Social Security Benefits

Beyond workplace safety, the GARIMA Scheme offers a wide range of social security measures designed to improve the quality of life of sanitation workers and their families.

Eligible beneficiaries are being linked to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) to facilitate access to permanent housing. The programme also promotes financial inclusion, healthcare support, periodic health check-ups and health insurance coverage to reduce economic vulnerabilities.

Dedicated Helpline for Sanitation Workers

To ensure easy access to welfare services and grievance redressal, the government continues to operate the dedicated GARIMA Helpline – 14420 across the state.

The helpline enables sanitation workers to obtain information, seek assistance and address concerns related to welfare schemes and workplace issues.

A Model for Inclusive Urban Governance

Through coordinated interventions focusing on safety, mechanization and social protection, the Housing & Urban Development Department is reinforcing its vision of a sanitation ecosystem that is safe, dignified and socially secure.

The GARIMA Scheme has emerged as a pioneering model of inclusive urban governance, placing the welfare and dignity of sanitation workers at the centre of Odisha’s urban development and transformation efforts.

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