Tamil Nadu Government Expands Free Food Scheme for Sanitation Workers Statewide
In a significant move to support municipal sanitation staff, the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, has officially expanded its free food distribution scheme across the entire state. The expansion was ceremoniously flagged off by Stalin at a public function held in Thiruvallur on Monday.
Massive Outreach to Benefit Over 1.29 Lakh Workers
The expanded initiative is set to positively impact the lives of more than 129,000 sanitary workers employed across all city corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats in Tamil Nadu. This comprehensive rollout underscores the government's commitment to the welfare of those performing essential civic duties.
Following the event, Chief Minister Stalin elaborated on the government's vision through a social media post. "The Dravidian model government is dedicated to providing housing for sanitation workers, life insurance coverage, scholarships for higher education for their children, and loans for aspiring entrepreneurs among them," he stated. "We will implement many more welfare schemes. We will always stand by the sanitation workers." Stalin further emphasized that this initiative marks India's first-ever scheme specifically designed to eradicate hunger among sanitation personnel.
Scheme Details and Financial Commitment
According to an official government statement, the scheme will provide nutritious food thrice a day to sanitary workers. The meals will be delivered in insulated thermal carrying bags to ensure that employees working across all three shifts—morning, afternoon, and night—receive fresh and warm food.
"The government would ensure that the food given is healthy. The state government will incur an additional expense of more than Rs 213 crore per year for the scheme," the statement confirmed, highlighting the substantial financial investment dedicated to this welfare program.
Coimbatore Launch and Distribution of Additional Benefits
The scheme was inaugurated for Coimbatore city via videoconference from a marriage hall on Kalapatti Road. The event was presided over by District Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar, with the participation of Corporation Mayor R Ranganayaki, Corporation Commissioner M Sivaguru Prabakaran, and other senior officials.
In Coimbatore alone, the scheme will benefit as many as 9,454 sanitary workers and drivers associated with the city corporation. A successful trial run of the expanded project was conducted in select corporation wards over the preceding ten days.
A corporation official detailed the logistics, noting that the scheme will cover approximately 4,500 sanitary workers across all 100 wards of the Coimbatore Corporation. "Food will be prepared in a common kitchen and then transported to ward offices and zonal offices, where the workers typically report for duty. The delivery will be timed to reach these centers before 6:30 AM, when the morning shift workers commence their work," the official explained.
Worker Testimonial and Additional Welfare Measures
During the Thiruvallur function, Chief Minister Stalin also distributed various forms of assistance, including financial aid for the wards of deceased sanitary workers, loans for aspiring entrepreneurs, life insurance policies, and scholarships for higher education for the children of sanitation employees.
Expressing gratitude for the initiative, R. Rajesh, a sanitary worker, remarked that the scheme would be particularly beneficial for those who often come to work without having eaten breakfast, ensuring they have access to proper nutrition throughout their demanding shifts.
This expansive food scheme represents a cornerstone of the state's broader welfare agenda, aiming to improve the quality of life and working conditions for the crucial workforce that maintains urban cleanliness across Tamil Nadu.
