Tamil Nadu CM Stalin launches free nutritious meal scheme for sanitation workers, promises to meet key demands

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday rolled out a new welfare initiative that will offer free nutritious meals to sanitation workers in Chennai, a move aimed at supporting one of the city’s most essential yet vulnerable workforces.

Launching the programme at Kalaivanar Arangam, Stalin said the scheme — which will provide three meals a day — will be extended to other districts across Tamil Nadu beginning December 6. He also assured workers that the government would address their long-standing demands in a phased manner.

Highlighting the relentless nature of their work, the Chief Minister said, “Whether it's scorching heat, heavy rain or floods, sanitation workers remain on the field. It is due to your sustained efforts that lakes, reservoirs and streets stay clean.” He added that their service was selfless and that safeguarding their welfare was the state’s responsibility.

As part of the broader initiative, Stalin announced the creation of dedicated retiring rooms for sanitation workers in all 200 wards of Chennai, each set up on a 300 sq ft space. He expressed hope that over time, public behaviour would evolve to mirror waste-disposal discipline seen in Western countries, reducing pressure on sanitation staff.

“My dream is to improve your standards of living, protect your health, and that your children should pursue studies and occupy high positions in life,” the Chief Minister said.

The announcement comes amid ongoing protests by sanitation workers in Chennai, who have been voicing strong opposition to the privatisation of solid waste management in two zones of the Greater Chennai Corporation and demanding regularisation of their employment.

PTI