Social Welfare Department Conducts Educational Scholarship Awareness Program for Sanitation Workers at Gangtok Municipal Corporation
GANGTOK, AUGUST 24, 2026 — An awareness program on welfare scholarship schemes implemented by the Social Welfare Department was held today at the Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC) Conference Hall, organized specifically for GMC Safaikaramcharis and Sanitation workers.
Focus on the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme
The primary focus of the session was a detailed presentation on the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Children of Parents/Guardians Engaged in Unclean and Hazardous Occupations. The orientation was led by Assistant Director Ms. Srijana Karkidoli, Welfare Inspector Mr. Tshewang Tobden, and Ms. Nimkit Lepcha from the Social Welfare Department.
The program was also attended by Assistant Municipal Commissioner (GMC) Mrs. Meena Pradhan, State Nodal Officer for the NAMASTE Scheme, Urban Development Department (UDD), Mr. Rinzing Tamang, and Project Coordinator (UDD), NAMASTE Scheme, Mr. Beran Rai.
No Income Ceiling, Coverage from Class I to Class X
The scholarship scheme aims to provide targeted financial assistance to reduce dropout rates and support the formal education of children whose parents or guardians are engaged in hazardous, waste-handling, or sanitation-related occupations. The scheme covers both day scholars and hostellers from Class I to Class X through annual financial assistance. Notably, there is no family income ceiling for eligibility, ensuring access to all eligible children of sanitation workers.
NAMASTE Scheme: Worker Safety and Dignity
In his keynote address, Mr. Rinzing Tamang highlighted worker safety, dignity, and the zero-fatality mandate under the NAMASTE Scheme. He emphasized the necessity of health insurance coverage, vocational skill development, personal protective equipment (PPE), and comprehensive rehabilitation to build a humane and safe sanitation ecosystem.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Assistant Municipal Commissioner, Mrs Meena Pradhan, who urged all attendees to actively enroll their children and avail themselves of the government's educational support initiatives.