Women Empowerment / GARIMA Scheme Brings Dignity: Odisha’s First Woman Desludger Breaks Barriers

Bhubaneswar, Aug 14: Some journeys begin with dreams; others begin with survival. For Jhunulata Naik of Kataka, life once meant cleaning toilets at a nursing home to feed her young son after being abandoned by her husband. The work was harsh, insecure and invisible, yet she carried on with resilience.

Her turning point came through the GARIMA Scheme of the Government of Odisha. Trained by the Kataka Municipal Corporation in desludging of onsite sanitation systems, she stepped into a field long dominated by men. With courage and determination, she became Odisha’s first woman desludger—a milestone that transformed her life from struggle to dignity.

Today, Jhunulata works in uniform, equipped with safety gear, and receives regular remuneration. The change is evident not only in her working conditions but also in her confidence. What was once a desperate livelihood has become a profession marked by independence and self‑respect.

Her journey embodies the larger vision of GARIMA: to ensure safer working conditions, skill development, social security and dignity for Core Sanitation Workers. The scheme has introduced mechanisation, protective equipment and insurance coverage, reaffirmed at the recent national conclave where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced life insurance and compensation for workers engaged in hazardous duties.

As Odisha prepares for the 2nd National GARIMA Conclave 2026 on August 22, the theme “Mission Zero: Ending Fatalities in Sanitation Work” underscores a bold commitment—no sanitation worker should lose their life while performing essential services.
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Jhunulata’s story gives this mission a human face. From cleaning toilets to becoming a trained professional, she has broken gender barriers and redefined what dignity in sanitation work looks like. Yet her biggest dream lies ahead: to educate her son and ensure he pursues higher studies, carrying forward the hope of a brighter future.

Her journey is a testament to how opportunity, training and safe working environments can turn adversity into empowerment. With her head held high, Jhunulata represents not just personal triumph but the promise of a more inclusive and dignified tomorrow for sanitation workers across Odisha.