Safai Mitras Empowered with PPE Kits and Health Cards in Moradabad
In a significant step towards enhancing the safety and welfare of sanitation workers, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched a program to distribute Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and Ayushman Cards today at Peeli Kothi in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative falls under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme and aims to bolster the health, safety, and social security of the Safai Mitras.
Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, led the event, personally handing over PPE kits and Ayushman Cards to eligible beneficiaries. The gathering included prominent local officials, such as Shri Anunaya Jha, the District Magistrate of Moradabad, and Shri Ram Gopal Anjan, a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council (MLC), among others.
Highlighting the Benefits of NAMASTE
During his address, Minister Verma emphasized the objectives of the NAMASTE Scheme, which is designed to ensure the dignity and safety of sanitation workers while empowering them both socially and economically. He revealed that to date, authorities have verified a total of 90,194 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs), of which 88,222 have received PPE kits and 80,180 are now covered under health insurance through Ayushman Cards. An impressive 336,492 waste pickers have also been profiled across India.
Local Efforts in Moradabad
Focusing on local progress, the Minister noted that in Moradabad alone, 307 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers have been profiled and have received PPE kits. The profiling process has validated 1,190 waste pickers in the area.
The event featured the symbolic distribution of PPE kits and Ayushman Cards to 20 Safai Mitras on stage, with an additional 813 kits distributed shortly afterwards, ensuring that more workers have access to essential safety equipment.
Encouraging Safe Practices
Minister Verma strongly urged recipients to consistently use the provided safety gear while performing their duties and to take full advantage of the healthcare facilities accessible via their Ayushman Cards. The District Magistrate and the Managing Director of the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation also shared insights on the crucial role of sanitation workers, stressing the necessity for collective efforts to uphold their safety and dignity.
Commitment to Underprivileged Communities
The program highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to the principle of prioritizing underprivileged groups, ensuring that those historically marginalized receive the support they need. This focus on marginalized communities aligns with the larger vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047,” which aims for an inclusive development trajectory for all Indians.
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