Safe Sanitation: Bhubaneswar Empowers Sanitation Workers, Distributes PPE Kits

Bhubaneswar, November 5, 2024 – The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken significant strides in prioritizing the well-being of the city’s sanitation workers by distributing safety kits and taking steps to empower them. At a safety orientation program organized for Core Sanitation Workers at the Jharpada Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), PPE kits were distributed to 56 sanitation workers.

The event was jointly organized by BMC and the Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR). The program was attended by 56 sanitation workers from various wards, who gathered not just to receive protective gear but to engage in a serious conversation about their safety, dignity, and rights.

“Wearing PPE gives us pride and recognition,” said Bijaya Behera, a sanitation worker. She continued, “We once worked in hazardous conditions, often at night, to avoid discrimination. Now, we work with confidence, knowing that our safety is taken seriously.” Her words served as a powerful reminder of how far sanitation workers have come in their fight for respect and recognition.

Mr. Pradip Nayak, a sanitation worker for 30 years, shared the challenges he has faced. “I’ve felt neglected due to financial insecurity, safety concerns, and a lack of rights. The government needs to ensure that private contractors follow guidelines—offering paid maternity leave and other crucial protections.”

The day’s discussions reflected on past struggles but also conveyed hopes for the future.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ganesh Parida, a Garima Expert at UMC, announced that state-level training for sanitation workers would begin soon, stressing that safety gear is non-negotiable. “If sanitation workers do not use PPE, private agencies and workers will face penalties,” he warned.

Ms. Jyoshna Rani Nayak, the National Women’s President of the South Asian Sanitation Labour Network, spoke passionately about her advocacy for sanitation workers. “My parents were sanitation workers,” she shared. “Their struggles inspired me to fight for the dignity and rights of sanitation workers for the past 15 years. Bhubaneswar is now a Smart City because of the efforts of sanitation workers.”

During the discussion, the importance of gender-sensitive measures was also raised. Ms. Upali Mohanty, a gender expert, highlighted the crucial role of women sanitation workers in the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission. “Protective gear must be women-friendly,” she stressed, advocating for the inclusion of sanitary products and safe disposal provisions at the workplace. “Paid maternity leave, breastfeeding accommodations, and measures to address sexual harassment among sanitation workers are essential for their dignity and well-being,” she added.

Ms. Prabhati Nayak, another sanitation worker, echoed this concern, suggesting that paid leave should be included in contracts to allow workers time to manage their health needs, including access to sanitary products. “We struggle to find the time to change sanitary products while working. Paid leave would help us,” she explained.

The call for action extended further. Mr. Samir Ranjan Dash, State Lead at CFAR, emphasized the need for public hearings where sanitation workers could voice their concerns directly to government officials, stakeholders, and private contractors. “We need to establish a formal agreement between the BMC and private agencies to ensure the safety and social respect of sanitation workers,” he said.

Finally, Mr. Mangu Nayak, a sanitation worker, shared a poignant story that encapsulated the struggles of many. “I used to clean septic tanks manually without protection, which led to serious health issues,” he recalled. “If we took even a few days off, the contractor would fire us, affecting our livelihood. But after attending this training program, I realized that PPE is like armor—it protects us from the dangers we face every day.”

For sanitation workers, it has been a long struggle to gain respect and recognition. These sanitation workers left the event not just with new safety gear but with a renewed sense of pride and acknowledgment.