Lucknow — In a significant move towards recognizing and empowering sanitation workers, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, organized a national-level celebration of NAMASTE Day at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow. The event witnessed the active participation of SUEZ and the Jal Kal Department, both of which play a vital role in the city’s sanitation infrastructure.
As part of the celebration, 267 sanitation workers employed under the One City One Operator project, jointly executed by SUEZ and Jal Kal in Lucknow, were handed Ayushman Bharat Health Cards. These cards will provide the beneficiaries and their families with access to quality healthcare under the government’s flagship health scheme. Notably, over the past year, SUEZ has already facilitated the registration of more than 840 workers under the NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme.
The event was not just a distribution ceremony but also a moment of recognition. Several employees were honoured for adhering to occupational safety standards, and were equipped with PPE kits and modern safety gear aimed at enhancing mechanized sanitation practices and ensuring their safety on duty.
Speaking at the occasion, company representatives expressed gratitude to the Government of India and participating departments. They emphasized that SUEZ and Jal Kal are deeply committed to upholding the dignity, health, and social security of sanitation workers, not just in their professional roles but also in their personal lives.
The event was graced by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B.L. Verma, along with Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Ministers Asim Arun and Narendra Kashyap. Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative of UNDP India, was also present, underscoring the global significance of worker dignity and protection.
This initiative marked a milestone in improving the lives of frontline sanitation workers, reiterating the government’s and partners’ dedication to building a safe, mechanized, and respectful sanitation ecosystem across India.
