Sanitary workers rendering great service to humanity, says Udhayanidhi Stalin

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday lauded the efforts undertaken over the past month to promote awareness about toilet hygiene across Chennai, as part of the International Toilet Festival 3.0 and said sanitary workers were rendering a great service to humanity.

Speaking at the valedictory, he said toilet hygiene was not just about cleanliness, but was essential for a disease-free life. The Deputy CM said the DMK government was committed to eradicating manual scavenging and highlighted several initiatives taken for the welfare of sanitary workers, including Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme through which 100 sewage suction vehicles were distributed at a subsidised cost.

Further, through the Sanitary Workers Welfare Board, the State government has provided 1,000 houses at a 90% subsidised cost to sanitary workers in Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Board tenements, he said. Mr. Udhayanidhi also distributed cheques for assistance to the tune of ₹37.79 lakh towards solatium, marriage assistance, maternity and educational aid to 30 beneficiaries.

The Deputy CM also flagged-off toilet repair cafe vehicle that undertakes maintenance of toilets, visited photo exhibition and interacted with students. He also launched the official website of the Tamil Nadu Sanitary Workers Welfare Board and released hygiene related books for students from Classes 1 to 10 of Greater Chennai Corporation schools.

Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments P.K. Sekarbabu, Greater Chennai Corporation Mayor R. Priya, and officials were present on the occasion.