Chhattisgarh News: Chhattisgarh has made a big achievement in the implementation of the Central Government's 'Namaste' scheme for the safety and respect of sewer and septic tank workers. In the ranking of states, Chhattisgarh has jointly secured the first position in the country. The state along with Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and Union Territory Puducherry are also jointly ranked first.
Government's emphasis on safety of sanitation workers
Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration and Development Minister Arun Sao congratulated the team of departmental officers, employees and urban bodies on this achievement. He said that safety, respect and better working conditions of sanitation workers are the priority of the government.
The government aims to increase the use of machines in sanitation work and reduce hazardous work, so that workers can provide a safe and dignified environment.
1428 workers received PPE kits
So far, 1487 sewer and septic tank workers have been surveyed in the state, out of which verification of 1465 has been completed. PPE kits have been given to 1428 workers in 169 urban bodies. Apart from this, Ayushman Bharat cards of 1374 personnel have been made.
At the same time, 139 sewer and septic tank workers have been given occupational safety training. Along with this, workshops were organized for 923 sanitation workers and they were given safety related information.
Emergency units at 47 places
To strengthen emergency arrangements for sanitation workers, 47 Emergency Response Sanitation Units i.e. ERSU have been established in the state. These units have been created in municipal corporations, district headquarters and some other urban bodies with high population.
Of these, safety kits have also been provided to 39 ERSUs. Helpline 14420 is also being operated for emergency sanitation services.
Waste pickers also benefit from the scheme
Under the 'Namaste' scheme, work is also being done for waste pickers. Profiling of 8527 waste pickers has been done in the state and 6799 have been verified. Of these, 991 people have been given PPE kits, while 512 have received occupational safety training.
What is 'Namaste' scheme?
The Central Government had launched the 'National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem' (NAMASTE) scheme in the year 2023. Its objective is to provide safe working environment, social security and dignified livelihood to sewer and septic tank workers.
Under the scheme, emphasis is laid on promoting mechanization in sanitation works and eliminating the practice of unsafe cleaning. This achievement of Chhattisgarh underlines the efforts being made for the safety of sanitation workers in the state.