The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a major Diwali gift for sanitation workers on the occasion of Valmiki Jayanti.
Sanitation workers will now receive security insurance worth ₹35-40 lakh.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the Valmiki community on Tuesday, October 7, saying that the safety of sanitation workers reflects the safety of the entire community,
and respecting them honors the legacy of Lord Valmiki. He added that the government is planning a significant initiative for their welfare.
CM Yogi explained that sanitation and contract workers will no longer receive salaries through outsourcing companies.
Instead, a government corporation will directly deposit their wages into their bank accounts. In addition, they will get health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh.
He further stated that if a sanitation worker faces an accident or a disaster, the bank will coordinate to ensure a payout of ₹35-40 lakh.
This insurance system is already in place for 80,000 home guards in Uttar Pradesh, and sanitation workers will now be included.
Celebrations on Valmiki Jayanti and Worker Recognition
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the Maharishi Valmiki Prakat Diwas celebrations and congratulated the people of the state on Lord Valmiki’s birth anniversary.
During the program, a short film highlighted the contributions of Maharishi Valmiki, whom the CM described as the architect of India’s great men.
He also criticized the previous Samajwadi Party (SP) regime for allegedly exploiting sanitation workers.
CM Yogi announced that sanitation workers would receive a monthly salary of ₹16,000-20,000 directly into their bank accounts.
He honored sanitation workers in Kashi for their service during the “Swachhata Hi Seva Pakhwada,” distributed sanitation kits, and felicitated them with flowers.
He also emphasized the importance of Lord Valmiki, saying that he shaped India’s Rishi tradition and Sanatan Dharma, and composed the world’s greatest epic.
Health Benefits Through Ayushman Bharat
CM Yogi confirmed that sanitation workers will soon get health benefits through the Ayushman Bharat card, providing coverage up to ₹5 lakh.
With this system, the government aims to prevent any exploitation of sanitation workers and ensure their financial and medical security.
