Sanitation workers got respect they deserved: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta highlights PM Modi's efforts in bringing respect and safety to sanitation workers through new machines and schemes.
In a significant address regarding social dignity and worker welfare, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that sanitation workers have finally received the respect they deserve under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at a specialized safety and dignity camp, the Chief Minister emphasized that the concerns of these essential workers, which were largely ignored in the past, are now a priority for the government.
A Shift in Dignity and Recognition
Addressing the gathering, CM Gupta highlighted a fundamental shift in how the nation views sanitation staff. She noted that Prime Minister Modi has taken a personal interest in their welfare, often engaging directly with them to understand the ground realities of their challenges. "After PM Modi came to power, sanitation workers got the respect they deserved, which they had not received before," the Chief Minister remarked.
The Chief Minister further explained that the government is focused on ensuring that every task, from general sanitation to deep cleaning, is handled by a workforce that is both empowered and protected. To support this mission, the Delhi government is investing heavily in modernizing the sector.
Modernization and Safety Initiatives
To reduce the physical burden on workers and enhance efficiency, the government has announced several technological upgrades:
- New Machinery: A budget has been allocated for the procurement of 1,000 litter-picker machines.
- Cabinet Approvals: The recent Cabinet meeting approved the purchase of 70 large and 30 small cleaning machines.
- Electric Sweepers: The deployment of 30 electric vehicle-based mechanical road-sweeping machines for smaller roads has been greenlit.
- Air Quality Monitoring: In a collaboration with IIT Delhi, a real-time PM2.5 and PM10 source monitoring system is being implemented.
Empowering Women and Ensuring Health
The Chief Minister also unveiled several landmark schemes aimed at supporting women sanitation workers and their families. She highlighted the introduction of 'Pink Cards' for all women in Delhi to streamline benefits and support.
In a major boost for female education, the government has introduced the 'Lakhpati Betiyan' scheme. Under this initiative, the government will deposit funds ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.25 lakh into the bank accounts of daughters to cover their educational expenses from birth through college.
Comprehensive Healthcare for Newborns
To ensure the long-term health of the community, CM Gupta announced a new healthcare package for newborns. The government will provide an 'all-in-one' test for every newborn baby, consisting of 56 different tests to ensure no ailments are present at birth. While such diagnostic packages typically cost around ₹10,000 in the private market, the Chief Minister assured that the government will provide these tests entirely free of charge.