Free meal scheme for over 9,000 conservancy workers begins in Coimbatore

The State government’s free meal scheme covering 9,454 conservancy workers in Coimbatore city was launched on Monday.

The scheme will be implemented by Coimbatore Corporation for workers engaged under its solid waste management programme. Officials said the meal could be provided either in the morning or afternoon, depending on work schedules.

Beneficiaries include permanent and contract conservancy workers, drivers, domestic breeding control (DBC) workers, stormwater drain maintenance workers, and workers involved in toilet maintenance in schools and wards. The scheme will cover workers across 100 wards in five zones within the Corporation limits.

Conservancy workers in Coimbatore have breakfast as part of the State government’s free meal programme on Monday.
| Photo Credit:
PERIASAMY M.

Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar, Mayor K. Ranganayaki, Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran and Deputy Mayor R. Vetri Selvan, along with senior officials and councillors, launched the scheme by serving meals to conservancy workers at a function held at the Suguna Auditorium in Kalapatti.

Officials said ward offices, zonal offices and sanitary offices will function as designated centres for meal distribution, while drivers will receive meals at their respective sheds. Each worker will be provided with a meal in a container, which must be washed and returned after use so that meals can be served again the following day.

S. Vasanthi, a conservancy worker, said the scheme would benefit workers who report for duty as early as 6 a.m., particularly those travelling from areas on the city outskirts. She said many workers do not have sufficient time to prepare food before leaving for work, as several of them live far from their workplaces.