Central Government Committed to Uplifting and Prioritizing Underprivileged Communities: B.L. Verma

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B.L. Verma, has stated that the Central Government is fully committed to giving 'priority to the underprivileged.' He emphasized that the government is ensuring that those who have been neglected or have received fewer services obtain their rights and the necessary support.

Addressing a program organized under the 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Verma said that the primary objective of this campaign is to promote the message of 'Respect for Safai Mitras, Resolve for a Clean India.' During the event, he shared information about the National Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, which aims to ensure the safety and dignity of sanitation workers and empower them socially and economically.

The Minister stated that these initiatives focused on underprivileged communities are part of the broader vision of 'Viksit Bharat,' ensuring that every citizen can contribute to and benefit from the journey of development. During the program, Shri Verma distributed PPE kits to 40 sewer and septic tank workers and 30 waste pickers. Additionally, Ayushman cards were handed over to 31 Safai Mitras, and keys to auto-rickshaws were provided to 6 Safai Mitras.

Sharing data from the National Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, Shri Verma revealed that out of 90,157 sewer and septic tank workers, 87,078 have been provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, and health insurance cover has been provided to 76,920 workers.

Furthermore, he mentioned that profiling has been conducted for over 5,00,013 waste pickers, of whom 3,15,593 have been verified and 1,79,269 have been provided with PPE kits. Specifically in Budaun, profiling has verified 146 sewer and septic tank workers and 339 waste pickers.

On this occasion, Shri Prabhat Kumar Singh, Managing Director of the National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC), also addressed the gathering. The event was attended by Dataganj MLA Shri Rajiv Singh, Bilsi MLA Shri Harish Chandra, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council member Shri Vagish Pathak, and Budaun District Panchayat President Smt. Varsha Yadav.