Tamil Nadu Government Launches Free Meal and Welfare Schemes for Sanitation Workers

Chennai, Oct 2025 : In a major welfare initiative aimed at improving the living standards and dignity of sanitation workers, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a comprehensive set of new measures, including the provision of free daily meals.

According to an official release, the government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has approved a scheme to provide free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to all sanitation workers every day. The initiative will be rolled out initially under the Greater Chennai Corporation, before being expanded in phases to other urban and rural local bodies across the state.

The Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department will oversee the implementation of the initiative. A formal government order to this effect has been issued, reflecting the state’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and social security of sanitation workers — one of the most essential yet vulnerable sections of the workforce.

The announcement forms part of a broader set of welfare decisions taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in mid-August. Among the other key measures approved is a special health programme to address skin-related ailments and other occupational diseases faced by sanitation workers due to prolonged exposure to waste and unhygienic environments.

To strengthen social security, the government has also introduced a compensation scheme under which the families of sanitation workers who die while on duty will receive ₹10 lakh in financial assistance. Additionally, sanitation workers who wish to pursue self-employment will be eligible for a subsidy of up to ₹3.5 lakh, with ₹10 crore allocated for this purpose.

Recognising the importance of education, the state will soon launch a new higher education scholarship scheme for the children of sanitation workers, helping them pursue studies and improve their future prospects.

Addressing housing needs, the government has announced plans to build 30,000 new homes for sanitation workers who do not own houses in urban areas. In rural regions, sanitation workers will be given priority under the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam housing scheme.

Furthermore, a free insurance scheme worth ₹5 lakh will be introduced to provide financial protection in case of medical emergencies or accidents.

Local bodies have also been instructed to ensure regular provision of free breakfast for sanitation workers as part of this multi-pronged welfare initiative.

Through these measures, the Tamil Nadu government aims to safeguard the health, financial stability, and dignity of sanitation workers — the unsung heroes who form the backbone of the state’s public health and sanitation system.