'Swachhata Pakhwada - Swachhata Hi Sewa 2023,' is presently in full swing across the country. States are actively participating in extensive cleanliness campaigns at hill stations, tourist destinations, and beaches. Remarkably, over 13 crore citizens have joined the Pakhwada fortnight so far. Additionally, under the Swachhata Pakhwada initiative, 'SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivirs' are being organized by various cities nationwide. The primary objective is to provide welfare schemes for sanitation workers and their dependents, with a focus on improving their overall well-being and quality of life.

On 105th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Hon’ble Prime Minister, appealed for 1 hour of shramdaan for swachhata at 10 am on 1st Oct by all citizens collectively will be a ‘swachhanjali’ to Bapu on the eve of his Jayanti. Speaking on Swachhata Hi Seva abhiyan, he said, “A big event on cleanliness is going to be organized on the 1st of October i.e. Sunday at 10 am. You too should take out time and help in this campaign related to cleanliness. You can also join this cleanliness campaign in your street, or neighbourhood…or at a park, river, lake or any other public place.”

Recently, Chandigarh conducted a four-day camp, the 'Safaimitra Suraksha Shivir,’. During the camp, nearly 1,300 SafaiMitras have been enrolled in various government schemes including Ayushman Bharat, Atal Pension Yojana, Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Suraksha Bima Yojana, offering comprehensive insurance against accidents and disabilities. Furthermore, numerous family members of SafaiMitras opened new bank accounts and benefited from the integrated insurance offerings.

In a proactive move to enhance the well-being and working conditions of its SafaiMitras, the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh inaugurated a state-of-the-art ‘Sanitation Booth’ in the village Sarangpur. This modern facility provides a safe and healthy environment for SafaiMitras to carry out their routine work. The booth offers shelter from extreme weather conditions, shielding them from harsh sunlight and biting cold during winters. It is equipped with essential amenities such as drinking water, first aid kits, and proper lighting, ensuring that SafaiMitras can work comfortably throughout the day. The new Sanitation Booth underscores MCC's dedication to improving working conditions for its SafaiMitras, recognizing their hard work and commitment to maintaining the city's cleanliness.

To further enhance the SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir, a special Rupee Store has been established at Mahila Bhawan, stocked with a diverse range of items sourced from the RRR center. With the goal of supporting SafaiMitra and their families, each Aadhaar card holder can choose two items from the store. Under the Swachhata Pakhwada campaign, the innovative initiatives by Chandigarh including the sanitation booth and special Rupee store, have not only uplifted the spirits of SafaiMitras.

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RKJ/M

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