JAMMU: As part of the week-long celebrations of International Women’s Day under the national theme “Naari Leads Swachhata,” the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) organized a comprehensive SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir at its premises on Saturday to ensure the health, safety, and dignity of women sanitation workers and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) contributing to the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0.
The programme was attended by Commissioner JMC and Mission Director SBM-U 2.0 Dr. Devansh Yadav (IAS), who presided as the Chief Guest. He was joined by Joint Commissioner Health and Sanitation Abdul Star (JKAS) and Chief Medical Officer Jammu Dr. Harbaksh Singh, representing the District Health Society.
Other senior officials present included Health Officer JMC Dr. Vinod Sharma and Dr. Priyanka Malhotra (VAS), along with various wing heads of the corporation.
During the camp, a specialized medical facility was set up in collaboration with the District Health Society, where female sanitation workers and women-led SHG members underwent essential health screenings, including tests for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
To strengthen occupational safety, high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits were also distributed among the sanitation workers and SHG members. The initiative highlighted the “Give to Gain” philosophy, ensuring that those who work tirelessly to keep the city clean are equally protected while performing their duties.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Devansh Yadav emphasized the significance of the NAMASTE Scheme (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem), which focuses on improving safety standards and eliminating hazardous manual sanitation practices. He also appreciated the growing leadership of women entrepreneurs and SHGs in the waste management ecosystem.
Officials further acknowledged the technical support provided by Swaaha in coordinating key awareness and IEC activities and ensuring that health and safety protocols effectively reach frontline sanitation workers.
The programme concluded with a collective pledge to organize such Suraksha Shivirs regularly to strengthen the safety net for sanitation workers. Details of the health screenings and activities conducted during the camp will be documented and uploaded on the official Swachhatam Portal for monitoring and follow-up care.
