On August 8, 2024, the Jal Sahiya workers of Jharkhand submitted a ten-point demand list to Jharkhand Pradesh Congress General Secretary, Shweta Singh. This comes shortly after Mrs. Singh's successful intervention led to the release of their long-pending honorarium. The demands include a respectable monthly honorarium of ₹20,000, comprehensive health insurance and benefits, and the allocation of all water and sanitation responsibilities to Jal Sahiya workers.
Additionally, they have requested annual uniforms, prompt travel allowances for government meetings, and the continuation of their work in areas upgraded to municipal status. They also seek government-provided training, mobile phones, and the immediate disbursement of pending payments related to toilet surveys and ODF incentives. Mrs. Singh assured the workers that she would advocate for these demands at the government level, pledging to make every effort to have their concerns addressed and fulfilled.
In response, Shweta Singh emphasized the critical role that Jal Sahiya workers play in maintaining the health and hygiene of communities, particularly in rural areas. She acknowledged the dedication and hard work of these women, who often operate in challenging conditions to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all. By bringing their demands to the forefront, Singh reiterated her commitment to standing by their side, ensuring that the government recognizes and rewards their essential contributions.
