Budaun: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Launches 'Swachhata Hi Seva' Campaign, Distributes PPE Kits and Ayushman Cards to Safai Mitras
Union Minister of State B.L. Verma emphasized the dignity and safety of sanitation workers in Budaun, distributing safety equipment and health cards.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, organized the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign at the DIET auditorium in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh. The primary objective of the event was to promote the message 'Respect for Safai Mitras, Resolve for a Clean India.'
Attending as the chief guest, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B.L. Verma, shared details regarding the 'National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem' (NAMASTE) scheme. He stated that the goal of this scheme is to ensure the safety and dignity of sanitation workers while empowering them socially and economically.
Presenting progress data on the scheme, Minister B.L. Verma revealed that 90,157 sewer and septic tank workers have been profiled so far. Among them, 87,078 workers have been provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, and 76,920 workers have been brought under the umbrella of health insurance. Additionally, 5,00,013 waste pickers have been profiled, of whom 3,15,593 have completed verification, and a total of 1,79,269 people have received PPE kits.
Regarding the Budaun district, he mentioned that 146 sewer and septic tank workers and 339 waste pickers have been verified through the profiling process. On this occasion, Shri Verma symbolically distributed PPE kits to 40 sewer and septic tank workers and 30 waste pickers. Furthermore, Ayushman cards were handed over to 31 Safai Mitras, and keys to auto-rickshaws were presented to six Safai Mitras.
The program reiterated the government's commitment to 'priority for the marginalized,' aiming to extend assistance to sections of society that have historically been deprived of government services. This initiative is part of the 'Viksit Bharat' vision, ensuring that every citizen can benefit from the country's developmental journey.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Dataganj MLA Shri Rajiv Singh, Bilsi MLA Shri Harish Chandra, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council member Shri Vagish Pathak, Budaun Zila Panchayat President Smt. Varsha Yadav, and the Managing Director of the National Safai Karamchari Finance and Development Corporation, Shri Prabhat Kumar Singh.
