Tamil Nadu Government Launches Six Special Schemes for Sanitary Workers to End Strike

Tamil Nadu Government has introduced six special schemes for sanitary workers aimed at improving their welfare and ending the ongoing strike. These schemes cover insurance, financial help, education support, housing, and free meals, addressing the main concerns of sanitary workers across the state. If you want to know more about these new schemes, this article explains everything you need to know about the Sanitary Workers Welfare Schemes recently announced by the Tamil Nadu government.

Details of the Six Special Schemes for Sanitary Workers

The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin and Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, has approved six complete schemes to support sanitary workers. These schemes focus on health, financial security, education, housing, and daily welfare needs to help sanitary workers and their families effectively.

Insurance and Financial Assistance Benefits

Sanitary workers face high risks of respiratory and skin diseases because of their work. To address this, a special scheme will identify and treat work-related illnesses. In case of death while on duty, the family of a sanitary worker will get an insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, financial help will be provided, making the total support Rs 10 lakh for the family.

Subsidies and Support for Self-Employment

To improve their socio-economic status, sanitary workers starting self-employment ventures will get a subsidy of 35% of the project cost, up to Rs 3.5 lakh. An interest subsidy of 6% will also be given to help repay loans without default. The government has set aside Rs 10 crore annually for this scheme, encouraging workers to become entrepreneurs.

Higher Education Assistance for Workers’ Children

A new scheme offers fee concessions on higher education for children of sanitary workers, no matter the institution. Financial help will also cover hostel fees and book costs, ensuring better educational opportunities for their children.

Housing Schemes for Urban and Rural Sanitary Workers

Urban sanitary workers without homes will be provided 30,000 houses over the next three years through the Sanitary Workers Welfare Board, Tamil Nadu Housing Board, and Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board. Rural conservancy workers will get priority housing under the Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam Scheme, improving living conditions across regions.

Free Breakfast Provision for Urban Sanitary Workers

Understanding the challenges of preparing and carrying breakfast for early morning duties, the government will provide free breakfast to urban sanitary workers. This scheme starts in Chennai Corporation and will gradually expand to other urban local bodies in Tamil Nadu.

Also Read – Tamil Nadu Sports Pension Scheme

Government’s Appeal to End Strike and Return to Work

Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu asked sanitary workers to end their strike and resume duties, highlighting the government’s concern and support through these schemes. On the demand for regularisation, the government is waiting for decisions from the Madras High Court and labour tribunal before taking action. Regarding privatisation concerns, the government noted ongoing legal proceedings and assured workers that their issues are being addressed.

The government also clarified that talks have been held multiple times, and doors remain open for dialogue. The eviction of striking workers followed court orders, but the government remains committed to resolving issues peacefully.

These six special schemes for sanitary workers are a big step towards improving their welfare and working conditions. If you or someone you know is a sanitary worker in Tamil Nadu, these initiatives could bring meaningful benefits soon.