In a landmark welfare initiative aimed at improving the lives of sanitation workers, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a comprehensive program that includes free daily meals, housing, insurance, education, and financial support.
Under the scheme, sanitation workers in the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will receive free breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. The government has sanctioned ₹186.94 crore to provide meals to nearly 29,455 workers over the next three years. Meals will be prepared by contracted catering agencies following Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines and distributed at 512 designated locations across the city.
The welfare package also includes a free insurance scheme covering ₹5 lakh for sanitation workers, along with a compensation of ₹10 lakh to families of workers who die while on duty. To support self-employment, the government has allocated ₹10 crore to provide subsidies of up to ₹3.5 lakh for workers seeking to start their own businesses.
Housing and education are key components of the program. The state plans to construct 30,000 new homes for sanitation workers in urban areas, while rural workers will be prioritized under the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam housing scheme. Additionally, a new higher education scholarship program will benefit the children of sanitation workers.
Recognizing the occupational health risks faced by sanitation workers, the government has introduced a special program to address skin-related and other health issues resulting from constant exposure to waste materials.
The initiative, to be overseen by the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, will initially be implemented in the GCC and gradually expanded to other urban and local bodies across the state. These measures were approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in mid-August, reflecting the government's commitment to the safety, dignity, and long-term welfare of sanitation workers.
Through this multi-faceted program, the Tamil Nadu government aims to ensure better living standards, financial security, and social recognition for workers who play a crucial role in maintaining the state's public health and hygiene system.