Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla presents the MoU & sanitation kits to Safai Saathis
Chandigarh, December 3:- The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today marked a significant milestone in strengthening the city’s cleanliness ecosystem by formally signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the door-to-door waste collectors and distributing sanitation kits to all MoU workers.
The ceremony was held in the presence of city Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Special Commissioner Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS, Chairman Sanitation Committee Sh. Manoj Sonkar, Sh. Yogesh Dhingra, area councilor, other councilor committee members, Dr. Inderdeep Kaur, Medical Officer of Health, senior officers of MCC, representatives of the Waste Collectors’ Union, Safai Saathis, and local residents.
While addressing all attendees, the Mayor expressed deep gratitude to the Door to Door waste collectors (Safai Saathis) for their relentless commitment.
“Chandigarh is known as the City Beautiful not just because of its architecture and greenery, but because of the tireless efforts of the Safai Saathis who ensure the city remains clean every single day,” she said.
Highlighting the city’s progress since the inception of the Swachh Bharat Mission, she emphasized that segregated waste collection has been key to Chandigarh’s goal of becoming a zero-landfill city. She noted the visionary decision that made Chandigarh one of the first cities to formalize the role of informal waste collectors through an MoU back in 2021.
Referring to the present MoU, the Mayor said,
“This new agreement is the result of extensive discussions, mutual respect, and collective problem-solving. Today’s ceremony is a symbol of the recognition and appreciation for the 926 waste collectors who have been reintegrated and empowered under this new system.”
The Mayor said that recently, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has given jegrry, oil & soap (Gur, Tel and Saabun) to all the Safaimitras besides releasing their long pending arrears.
She thanked the MCC team, the Sanitation Committee, the union representatives, and the residents of Chandigarh for their unwavering cooperation.
MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, commended the collaborative approach that led to the finalization of the new MOU.
“Our goal has always been to strengthen systems, enhance dignity of labour, and ensure efficient and sustainable waste management for the city. This MOU reflects our commitment to transparency, service delivery, and welfare of our Safai Saathis,” he said.
He reiterated the Corporation’s focus on capacity-building, infrastructure improvement, and continuous monitoring to keep Chandigarh among the cleanest cities in the country.
MC Special Commissioner Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS, highlighted the extensive work undertaken over the past months to refine and streamline the waste collection framework.
“The new MOU brings clarity, structure, and accountability for both MCC and the waste collectors. It aligns with modern waste management practices and ensures dignity, safety, and formal recognition for this crucial workforce,” he said.
He also appreciated the dedicated efforts of all MCC departments involved in the process.
MC Sanitation Committee Chairman Sh. Manoj Sonkar emphasized the pivotal role of the committee in bridging communication between stakeholders.
“The Sanitation Committee played a crucial role in holding multiple consultative meetings, resolving long-pending issues, and developing workable solutions. We stand committed to ensuring that the provisions of the MOU are implemented effectively on ground,” he added.
He praised the Safai Saathis for their discipline, commitment, and contribution to Chandigarh’s prestigious cleanliness rankings.
He said the Sanitation Committee and MCC officials actively facilitated dialogue among stakeholders, ensured transparency, and devised a robust operational framework. Their coordinated efforts resulted in the smooth implementation of the revised MOU, benefiting both the workforce and the city’s waste management system.
The area Councillor Sh. Yogesh Dhingra extended a heartfelt vote of thanks. He extended gratitude to the Mayor, MCC officers, the Sanitation Committee, and especially the Safai Saathis whose hard work keeps Chandigarh shining. Today’s step is a testament to what collective effort can achieve,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the elected representatives to support initiatives that enhance service delivery and the well-being of workers.
Speaking on behalf of all door-to-door waste collectors, Sh. Dharmveer expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Mayor, the Commissioner, the Special Commissioner, the Sanitation Committee, and the entire MCC team for their dedicated efforts in finalizing and successfully implementing the new MOU. He said that the collective and transparent approach adopted by the administration has strengthened the confidence of all Safai Saathis, giving them formal recognition, improved support, and renewed dignity in their work. He also acknowledged the continuous guidance and cooperation extended by the officers and committee members throughout the process.
He assured the Municipal Corporation that the door-to-door waste collectors will continue to deliver their best and work with even greater dedication to maintain Chandigarh’s reputation as one of the cleanest cities in the country. He pledged the full support of all Safai Saathis in achieving top rankings in the upcoming Swachhata Survekshan and in ensuring that every household receives efficient, responsible, and fully segregated waste collection services.
