BHUBANESWAR — The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, convened a national workshop titled “Mission Zero – Ending Fatalities in Sanitation Work” at Lokseva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
Graced by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Social Justice Secretary Sudhansh Pant, the event brought together urban local bodies (ULBs), technology providers, and industry experts. The deliberations focused on eliminating hazardous manual cleaning by scaling up mechanized equipment, enforcing occupational safety frameworks, and expanding social security under the NAMASTE and GARIMA schemes.
Key Policy & Operational Directives
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National Directive: Reaffirmed the Union Government’s target of achieving zero operational fatalities in sanitation work through a integrated, multi-agency approach.
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Mechanization & Technology: Focused on accelerating full mechanization of sewer and septic tank cleaning across urban centers, supported by equipment displays and technical sessions.
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Worker Safeguards: Emphasized comprehensive occupational health and safety standards, protective gear compliance, training, and emergency response readiness for sanitation personnel.
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Institutional Schemes: Highlighted the rollout of the NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme—executed via the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)—alongside Odisha’s GARIMA scheme to guarantee dignified livelihoods and social protection for workers and their dependents.
