Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Says PM Modi Gave Sanitation Workers the Respect They Were Previously Denied

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday said sanitation workers are receiving greater recognition and dignity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, claiming that their concerns had received less attention in the past. Speaking at a safety and dignity camp organised for sanitation workers, Gupta said Modi had personally interacted with members of the workforce and listened to the challenges they face. She said this approach had helped bring greater focus to the safety, welfare and working conditions of sanitation workers.

The Delhi Chief Minister also outlined several measures being taken by her government to improve sanitation services and provide workers with better equipment. She said responsibilities ranging from deep cleaning to routine sanitation have been assigned to the workforce, while the government is focusing on ensuring that workers have the necessary safety measures and facilities.

Gupta said the Delhi government has set aside funds for the purchase of 1,000 litter-picking machines. She added that the Cabinet had also approved the procurement of 70 large and 30 smaller cleaning machines. According to the Chief Minister, the government wants every 'Swachhta Mitra' to be able to perform their duties with proper equipment and support. At a Cabinet meeting chaired by her on Tuesday, the government approved the deployment of 30 electric vehicle-based mechanical road-sweeping machines for use on smaller roads. The Cabinet also cleared a real-time system for monitoring PM2.5 and PM10 pollution sources in collaboration with IIT Delhi.

Gupta further highlighted initiatives aimed at supporting women sanitation workers and families. She said 'Pink Cards' would be provided to women across Delhi as part of the government's welfare measures. She also spoke about the proposed 'Lakhpati Betiyan' scheme, under which the government plans to provide financial support ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.25 lakh for the education of girls, covering the period from birth through college.

Another initiative announced by the Chief Minister focuses on health screening for newborns. She said the Delhi government plans to introduce an all-in-one screening package covering 56 tests to identify potential health problems soon after birth. Gupta said similar tests can cost around ₹10,000 in the private market but would be provided by the government at no cost under the proposed initiative. The announcements are part of the Delhi government's broader focus on sanitation, worker safety, public health and welfare measures, with the administration seeking to combine improved municipal services with additional support for sanitation workers and their families.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.