Panaji, 9 October 2025

Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar distributed safety equipment, PPE kits, and Ayushman cards to sanitation workers in Goa under the Namaste Scheme at a program held in Panaji today, October 9^th.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said that sanitation workers had a great role to play in Goa as the state, a popular tourist destination, attracts both domestic and international visitors. Acknowledging the significant contribution of sanitation workers in maintaining Goa’s cleanliness and beauty, Dr. Virendra Kumar said that it was because of them that cities are kept clean.

“On October 2, 2014, on the occasion of the Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Mission across the country. Following the Prime Minister’s call, the campaign quickly turned into a people’s movement, with citizens from all over the country participating in the campaign. This movement has helped in giving recognition to the work of sanitation workers,” he said.

The traditional methods of sanitation work are now being done by modernized and mechanized methods due to the efforts of the Central government. As part of this, unskilled sanitation workers are being provided with proper training. The Centre has also launched various schemes for the benefit of sanitation workers and their dependent children for education, Dr. Virendra Kumar said and urged the State governments to take responsibility for ensuring these schemes reach the workers. He added that the government's aim was to provide social justice to sanitation workers, an essential part of the society.

During the event, a fashion show was also organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, demonstrating how sanitation workers use safety equipment, mechanical tools, and PPE kits while working.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Shri Prabhat Kumar Singh, Managing Director of the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation; Shri Birjesh Manekar, State Nodal Officer; Shri Mohammad Shabeer IAS, Sub-Divisional Officer, and Shri Daulat Sardesai, Deputy Director of the Social Justice Department, along with a large number of sanitation workers from across Goa.

 

PIB Panaji| Ashish Sangle/Riyas Babu/Priti Malandkar

 

 

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