Gangtok, July 16 (IPR):
The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme under Urban Development Department celebrated “NAMASTE DAY” for sanitation workers at State Panchayat Resource Centre (GMC Building), Deorali, today.
Chairperson, State Commission for Backward Classes, Ms Pavitra Bhandari graced the occasion as the Chief Guest for the day.
The Chairperson expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the sanitation workers for their tireless efforts in maintaining environmental cleanliness, acknowledging the crucial role they play in the state's well-being.
She praised their dedication and commitment to keeping public spaces clean and hygienic, recognising the significant impact of their work on public health and community welfare.
Earlier, Joint Secretary UDD, Ms Jerusha Joy Shrestha, in her welcome address, highlighted the aim of NAMASTE scheme like, ensuring occupational safety and dignity of sanitation workers. She discussed on behaviour change amongst stakeholders to demand safe sanitation services.
Further, she spoke on mechanised cleaning of sewer lines & septic tanks, and to provide access to entitlements livelihood support to reduce the vulnerabilities of sanitation workers.
State Nodal Officer UDD, Mr Rinzing Tamang, NAMASTE Scheme, in his keynote address, deliberated on safety, dignity and zero fatality of sanitation workers while doing work, health insurance coverage, skill development and training, access to safety devices, rehabilitation & welfare support and to build a humane and safe sanitation ecosystem.
Project Coordinator UDD, Mr Beran Rai, briefed about the NAMASTE Scheme, as a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) and Ministry of Housing Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
The implementing agency is National Safari Karmacharis Finance & Development Corporation Limited (NSKFDC).
He underscored on intended outcomes of NAMASTE Scheme like,
* Zero fatalities in sanitation work
* No direct contact with human faecal matter
* Strengthening and capacitating SRU
* Access to livelihoods by providing capital subsidy
* Increased awareness amongst sanitation services seekers
* Extending Health Insurance Scheme benefits under AB-PMJAY
* Occupational safety training to SSW
Health Education Officer, Ms Onday Lachungpa emphasised the key factors affecting health to the sanitation workers on diarrheal diseases, which is often caused by poor hygiene practices. She stressed on the importance of hand washing with soap and water.
‘By adopting this simple yet crucial habit, sanitation workers can significantly reduce their risk of contracting diarrheal diseases and maintain better overall health’ she added.
Welfare Inspector, Social Welfare Department, Mr Tshewang Topden, underlined the Scholarship Schemes under Social Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim. He elaborated on its objectives and scope of Pre- Matric Scholarships for children of parents or guardians engaged in unclean occupation (class 1-10).
Additionally, he also focused on the conditions of eligibility, required documents, rate of scholarship, and time line for online application.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Project Coordinator, Mr Beran Rai, Urban Development Department.