BWSSB to launch ‘Annapoorna Scheme’ for sanitation workers today

In what is being touted as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) is set to roll out the ‘Annapoorna Scheme’ for its sanitation workforce.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will formally launch the scheme on Monday by distributing smart cards to sanitation workers.

Announcing the initiative, BWSSB chairman Ram Prasath Manohar said the scheme “reflects the board’s commitment to combining technology with compassion”.

“Bengaluru will be the first city to provide direct financial assistance for daily breakfast to sanitation workers. This is our way of saluting the relentless efforts of those who keep our city clean. We want every worker to begin the day with good health, nutrition, and respect,” he said.

Under the scheme, more than 700 sanitation workers will be provided smart cards powered by Axis Bank. Each card will be credited with ₹1,500 per month, which workers can use at food outlets of their choice, giving them the flexibility in choosing their meals.

BWSSB has described the scheme as a “Smart city with a humane touch” initiative and hopes it will serve as a model for other metropolitan cities across India. The board has also indicated plans to bring in more welfare measures for sanitation staff.

Demand

However, sanitation workers’ unions have raised concerns about the limited coverage of the scheme.

S. Balan, president of the BWSSB Gottigai Karmikara Sangha, said, “Providing canteen facilities has been our long-standing demand. While this scheme is welcome, it only benefits around 1,400 workers and leaves out more than 3,000 contract sanitation workers. We urge the government to extend the benefits to all.”

The union has announced a protest on Monday, demanding that the government expand the scheme to cover every sanitation worker under BWSSB.