With personal protective equipment and training under the central government’s Namaste scheme, cleaning staff in Puducherry enjoy better safety and livelihood at their workplace; the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment continues to work for their empowerment
58‑year‑old cleaning worker Mr Muthuvell of Puducherry’s Olgaret Municipal Council was selected as a beneficiary of the scheme in 2025; he received a kit of protective gloves, gumboots, face masks and a safety helmet
Improved income and safety
Before receiving the benefits, he worked with limited resources and faced health risks; after receiving safety gear and training to work safely, his monthly income rose from ₹9,000‑10,000 to ₹13,000‑14,000