Odisha’s First Woman Desludger Breaks Barriers Under GARIMA

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark achievement for sanitation workers in Odisha, Jhunulata Naik from Kataka has become the state’s first woman desludger.

Her journey from cleaning toilets in a nursing home to operating desludging equipment under the Odisha government’s GARIMA scheme reflects resilience, empowerment, and dignity.

The GARIMA initiative, launched to improve the lives of Core Sanitation Workers, provides training, safety gear, uniforms, and social security benefits.

For Jhunulata, this meant a transition from unsafe, stigmatised work to a respected profession with regular pay and recognition.

Her story was highlighted at the National GARIMA Conclave, where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced life insurance coverage and compensation for sanitation workers.

The upcoming 2nd National GARIMA Conclave on 22 August 2026 will focus on “Mission Zero: Ending Fatalities in Sanitation Work.”

Jhunulata’s biggest dream remains to educate her son and ensure he has opportunities beyond her struggles.

Her success symbolises how structured support and dignity in labor can transform lives and inspire communities.