The national Swachhata Hi Seva 2023 campaign, which revolves around the theme of "Garbage-Free India," was officially launched across the State of Tamil Nadu. Since the launch, consistent efforts have been made in Tamil Nadu to ensure that the campaign goes beyond efforts such as cleanliness drives by organising meaningful activities to promote social and behavioural change and engage communities. District authorities have been directed to broaden their focus to encompass additional endeavours, including the creation of meaningful wall paintings, active engagement with self-help groups, and mobilisation of young people and local communities to actively participate in campaign-related endeavours.

A particularly significantactivity of this campaign is the conduct of health and welfare camps specifically for all workers engaged in sanitation-related work at the grassroots level, including those referred to as "ThooimaiKaavalars," who are the backbone of the State's Swachhataefforts.An exemplary demonstration of this activityis found in Tiruvanamalai district, one of the State's largest regions. In Tiruvanammalai alone, a total of 215 health camps were organisedin coordination with the Health & Family Welfare department on 25.09.2023, spanning various health sub-centres and primary health centres situated in rural areas. Notably, these camps witnessed the participation of and benefited over 2,500 sanitation workers, hailing from all 860 panchayats within the district. The health camps featured a range of healthcare services, encompassing screenings for conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, skin examinations, and lung function tests, among others. In alignment with the State's dedication to providing financial protection, a thorough check was also conducted to ascertain whether eligible workers were enrolled under the State's Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. Similar health camps were conducted throughout the State, extending their services to sanitation workers from rural regions.

The Swachhata Hi Seva 2023 campaign notonly underscores Tamil Nadu's unwavering efforts to improve sanitation but also reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of sanitation workers. With a holistic approach that includes addressing the needs of sanitation workers and fostering community engagement, the campaign has helped the State move decisively toward realising its vision of a cleaner, healthier, and garbage-free Tamil Nadu.

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