KISHTWAR, Sep 30: Under the directions and guidance of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, as a part of the ongoing “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign, a Swachhata Karmi Samaan Programme was organised at the DDC Office building, Kishtwar, to recognise the valuable contribution of sanitation workers and provide them with essential health, safety and social-security support.
The programme was organised under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Kishtwar, Neeraj Kumar Sharma.
Assistant Commissioner Development, Kishtwar, Manoj Kumar, also graced the occasion and appreciated the dedication and services being rendered by sanitation workers in maintaining cleanliness and public hygiene across the district.
Sanitation workers from different blocks of the district participated in the programme with enthusiasm.
During the programme, safety kits were distributed among the Swachhata Karmis to help them perform their duties in a safer and more secure manner. The provision of protective equipment is aimed at reducing occupational risks and promoting the health, safety and dignity of workers engaged in sanitation-related activities.
A special medical check-up camp was also organised on the occasion. The health screening was conducted by Dr. Monica Sharma, Medical Officer, AYUSH, Kishtwar, who examined the participating sanitation workers and provided them with necessary medical advice. Immunity boosters were also distributed among the workers as part of efforts to promote their well-being and strengthen preventive healthcare support.
In another important initiative, the sanitation workers were facilitated with on-the-spot linkages to various social-security schemes through the Main Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Kishtwar. The facility enabled the workers to access information and assistance regarding eligible welfare and financial-security measures without the need to visit different offices separately. The initiative reflects the administration’s commitment towards ensuring that sanitation workers and their families are connected with the benefits of government welfare schemes.
Addressing the gathering, the ACP Kishtwar highlighted the indispensable role played by sanitation workers in keeping villages, public institutions and communities clean. He observed that the objective of Swachhata Hi Seva is not limited to cleanliness drives alone but also includes recognising, protecting and empowering the people who work continuously to maintain sanitation and public hygiene.
The other officers further emphasised that sanitation workers are important partners in achieving the objectives of Swachh Bharat. Their work contributes significantly to disease prevention, environmental protection and the creation of clean and healthy living spaces. The administration reiterated its resolve to provide all possible support to sanitation workers, including safety equipment, healthcare facilities, social-security coverage and dignified working conditions.
The event concluded with an appreciation of the sanitation workers for their dedicated service and contribution towards strengthening cleanliness, public health and community welfare in Kishtwar district. Such initiatives provide a meaningful platform for acknowledging the dignity of sanitation work and reaffirming the collective commitment towards a cleaner, healthier and more inclusive society.
The programme was in line with the broader objectives of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, which focuses on citizen participation, sanitation, preventive healthcare, safety equipment and welfare support for sanitation workers.
The programme was attended by BDO Kishtwar, Ravi Kumar; BDO Drabshalla, Sandesh Kumar Sharma ; BDO Palmar, Chanden Manhas; BDO Mughal Maidan, Bhushan Kumar; BDO Bonjwah, Aijaz Ahmed; BDO Inderwal, Zahid Rashid; BDO Thakraie, Ishtiaq Ahmed and BDO Trigam, Roopesh Sharma, besides officers and officials of the Rural Development Department and AYUSH Department.