Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a financial benefit for sanitation workers, with Rs 16,000 to Rs 20,000 to be directly credited to their accounts.
This announcement was made during the Swachhata Mitra Samman ceremony in Varanasi, where sanitation workers were honoured for their contributions during the Swachhata Hi Seva Pakhwada. The initiative aims to ensure that these workers are not exploited and receive due recognition for their efforts.
In addition to the financial support, sanitation workers will also receive health coverage of Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. This measure is intended to safeguard their well-being and provide them with necessary health protection. During the ceremony, Adityanath distributed sanitation kits and celebrated the dedication of these workers by showering them with flowers and posing for photographs.
Public Holiday Announcement
The chief minister declared October 7 as a public holiday in honour of Lord Valmiki Jayanti. He described Valmiki as “the architect of India’s sage tradition” and a guiding force of Sanatan Dharma. Valmiki is revered as the world’s first poet, having composed the earliest epic, inspiring devotion to Lord Rama.
Adityanath highlighted that politicians often become visible only during elections. He questioned whether public representatives truly understand local issues, emphasising that visiting communities and listening to citizens is crucial for resolving problems effectively.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’s Impact
The chief minister recalled the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. This initiative significantly raised awareness about sanitation across India. It involved constructing toilets in 120 million homes, benefiting 600 million people and promoting cleanliness while upholding women’s dignity.
Before this campaign, many villages faced accessibility issues due to unhygienic roads and poor sanitation. Today, clean villages reflect not only women’s dignity but also India’s dignity. The cleanliness initiatives have reduced diseases and household expenses, contributing to a healthier nation.
75-Day Campaign Success
The CM praised the 75-day campaign in Varanasi South as both inspirational and innovative. Over 33,000 public grievances were resolved on-site, preventing disputes and ensuring timely redressal. This effort strengthened coordination among public representatives, workers, and municipal officials.
Adityanath lauded sanitation workers as the foundation of cleanliness and public health. He emphasised that diligent work leads to strength and resilience, even during challenging times like the global pandemic.
Diwali Initiative
On Diwali’s occasion, Adityanath called for distributing sweets to every sanitation worker at the state level. He urged that lamps and sweets should reach every poor household. The chief minister stressed unity as essential for building a stronger India while cautioning against divisive forces like the Samajwadi Party and Congress.