Transforming Lives: Pithampur’s Leap Towards Sanitation Worker Security

After my husband, Vishnu Jatav, tragically passed away in a road accident, our family faced an uncertain future. Thankfully, he was covered under the social security scheme. With guidance from PMC and PSI India, I claimed benefits, which have steadied my family and ensured my children's education continues uninterrupted.

The Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) of PMC was briefed by PSI India about the findings of the assessment. Prioritizing the safety and security of sanitation workers, it was decided to orient and enroll all sanitation workers in suitable and affordable schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY).

PSI India supported PMC in organizing orientation sessions for sanitation workers. These sessions, conducted in small groups of 10-12 individuals at convenient times and locations, covered detailed explanations of PMSBY and PMJJBY. Sanitation inspectors and supervisors facilitated the collection of necessary documents from the 336 workers, including Aadhaar card, bank account details, nominee information, and contact details.

Upon submitting the documents to the bank, it was noticed that sanitation workers lacked the minimum balance, halting auto-debits for social security schemes. A consent letter from all 336 workers and a CMO letter authorized the bank to withhold ?456 for enrollment. A detailed list of workers' information, including insurer names, account numbers, customer IDs, and more, was compiled for enrollment.

As linking workers to the scheme wasn't a bank priority, coordination with the zonal office ensured timely processing. Resultantly, certificates were obtained, each bearing the branch manager's seal, linking 336 workers to the scheme. PMC appointed a focal person to streamline the claim process for injury, disability, or death under the scheme.

Rajendra Mishra, CMO, PMC expressed- "In a transformative collaboration with PSI India, PMC has taken significant strides in protecting the rights and lives of sanitation workers. Since April 2020, we have focused on not just strengthening faecal sludge management systems but, more importantly, on the welfare of the workers through enrolment in government-subsidized social security schemes. This effort underscores the value we place on the safety and security of our sanitation workforce and their families. We have developed a learning document with the support of PSI India on enrolling sanitation workers in social security schemes. It serves as a roadmap that other Urban Local Bodies can follow to uplift their sanitation workers."

In Pithampur, the bereaved families of sanitation workers found a glimmer of hope and support through the social security schemes following the tragic loss of their loved ones. These vital benefits provided them not just with financial assistance but also with a sense of dignity in their darkest hours.

Under the ‘After the Flush’ project, a pioneering collaboration between PMC and Population Services International (PSI India) was initiated to ensure a safer and dignified future for sanitation workers and their families. The PSI India team conducted a rapid assessment among a sample of 56 PMC sanitation workers to gauge their awareness of social security schemes. This evaluation revealed that more than 50% were unaware of these schemes due to limited literacy and orientation.