Awareness Program on Safety & Health (OSH) for Contractors of Outsourcing Agencies (Sanitation) engaged by BMC with focus on Covid-19 Preventive Measures & Social Security Schemes of Government of India / Odisha Construction Board held in Red Cross Bhawan, Unit-9, Bhubaneswar on November 27, 2020.

The program was organized by Indo German Focal Point (IGFP) with PECUC (People’s Cultural Centre, Odisha) with strong support of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Odisha Construction Board, RD ESIC & RPFC-I Bhubaneswar (Odisha) the focus of the awareness program was Covid-19 Preventive Measures & Welfare Schemes of Government of India / Odisha Construction Board.

The program was inaugurated jointly by Mr. Panchanan Kanungo, Former Finance Minister, Odisha, along with Dr. Rama Chandra Khuntia, Former MP & National VP of INTUC, in the presence of BMC Sanitation Officer, Dr. Rama Chandra Rout, Director – Nursing Intelligence, Government of Odisha, Mr. Renuka Prasad, Regional Director, ESIC Odisha, Mr. Ranjan Mohanty, CEO of PECUC, and Mr. B. K. Sahu, Director, IGFP, including Mrs. Anuradha Mohanty, ED, PECUC.

The various speakers lauded the efforts of Indo German Focal Point for arranging such awareness program for the real warriors sanitation workers / supervisors & contractors engaged by BMC. Dr. R. C. Khuntia brought out the importance of PPE for sanitation workers & supply by BMC so that safe practices are followed in smart city Bhubaneswar.

Dr. Rout, in his speech, informed three measures taken by BMC for sanitation workers – Immunization, Health Checkup & Supply of PPE.

He also advised participants to follow Government of Odisha Covid-19 Guidelines – use of mask, Physical distance & regular hand washing.

Mr. B. M. Mohapatra, DLC, Odisha Construction Board, highlighted the good practices of Odisha Construction Board – Registration technology & provision of various welfare measures like children education & financial grant of Rs. 1,500/- to registered construction workers during lockdown.

RD ESIC brought out salient features of ESI scheme, particularly Atal Unemployment Insurance during lockdown for those registered ESI beneficiaries.

Mr. C. R. Swain from EPFO Bhubaneswar, spoke about special initiatives of EPFO for sanction of pension & registration etc.

Dr. Malay Pradhan, GM, OSDMA, spoke of the Covid-19 Guidelines in the context of disaster management he requested sanitation workers & contractors to be safe by following the given guidelines.

Mr. Panchnan Kanungo, in his summing up address, advised: “Not to Fear but take protection to remain safe for life & livelihood” He urged BMC authority to enforce the practices by regular checking by ward officer in each ward so that sanitation workers wear mask & remain safe.”

Mr. Ranjan Mohanty welcomed the participants & the guests, besides spoke on child protection during online teaching & stay @ home during Covid-19.

Mr. B. K. Sahu thanked all the participants, BMC, Odisha Construction Board, ESIC, EPFO and all speakers for successful conduct of the program which was attended by 40 participants/contractors and BMC Sanitary Supervisor, etc.

The program was marked by release of IGFP newsletter 8th Issue & Safety KIT was distributed to all participants.

The program was handled by Mr. Jyoti, PECUC, and Mrs. Sangeeta, IGFP.