New Delhi, September 29: As part of the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 campaign, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, will organise the SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir in National Capital here tomorrow.
The Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign being observed from 17 September to 17 October 2026, carries the theme Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.
The theme of the Shivir is Samman Safai Mitron Ka, Sankalp Swachh Bharat Ka. The Shivir aims to recognise and honour the vital contribution of SafaiMitras and facilitate their access to health, safety and social protection measures.
The Shivir will be organised in hybrid mode. The physical event will be held at Kedarnath Sahni Auditorium, Dr. S.P.M. Civic Centre, New Delhi while Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) and line departments from across the country will participate virtually.
Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi, will be the Chief Guest while Dr Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, Hon’ble Minister of State of Social Justice and Empowerment and Shri Pravesh Wahi, Mayor, MCD, Delhi, will grace the occasion as Guests of Honour.
Shri Sanjeev Khirwar, Commissioner, MCD, Delhi, Dr Sandeep R Rathod, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment, Shri P K Singh, Managing Director, National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), senior officers of the Department and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment besides other officials will attend the programme.
The SafaiMitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir will provide a single-window platform for a range of interventions aimed at supporting sanitation workers and their families.
The activities being undertaken by ULBs and RLBs will include preventive health check-ups and screening services for SafaiMitras and their dependents, along with the distribution and demonstration of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and safety devices.
As part of the programme, a film on the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme will also be screened. The film will highlight the objectives and interventions of the NAMASTE Scheme and underline the importance of ensuring the safety, dignity, welfare and social security of sanitation workers. The screening will further create awareness about the measures being undertaken to promote safe and mechanised sanitation practices and improve the well-being of SafaiMitras.
The Shivir will also focus on facilitating the distribution of NAMASTE ID Cards to validated waste pickers and support eligible sanitation workers and their families in accessing Central and State Government welfare and social protection schemes and services. These include assistance related to housing, tap water connections, sanitation facilities, electricity, LPG, health, life and accident insurance, immunisation, financial inclusion and livelihood support, subject to eligibility.
The welfare schemes and initiatives covered through these interventions include PMAY, AMRUT, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, Saubhagya, PM Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat/PM-JAY, PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Mission Indradhanush, Swachhata Udyami Yojana and PM Jan Dhan Yojana, subject to eligibility.
The programme will also feature the felicitation and recognition of SafaiMitras for their vital contribution to public health, cleanliness and community well-being. SafaiMitras will participate in the national event as well as local activities organised across the country.
As part of the programme, the NMBA (Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan) Pledge will also be taken by the participants, reaffirming their collective commitment towards creating a drug-free society and promoting awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse. The pledge will further reinforce the spirit of social responsibility and encourage individuals and communities to contribute towards the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
The initiative reflects the Government’s continued commitment towards ensuring the safety, welfare and dignity of sanitation workers, while strengthening access to healthcare, safety equipment and social protection. It also reinforces the spirit of collective participation and the vision of Swachh Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
