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Bibijaan’s elder sister taught her the work of a Safai Mitra at an early age—first to support her maternal family, and later to support her husband and her own family. She has been working as a Safai Mitra for the past 23 years.
“I continued working even when I was pregnant, as I was the only earning member in my family,” says Bibijaan.
She has two children who are employed in their respective jobs, but she continues to work. “I have never been financially dependent on anyone—why should I be now?” she adds with her infectious smile.
Bibijaan has seen many of her colleagues fall on hard times and struggle to receive support. As an experienced hand, she takes on the role of a counselor for those just starting out.
"I understand that due to a lack of knowledge, many of us suffer and are unable to access the benefits of social welfare schemes. So whenever I get an opportunity to educate my fellow Safai Mitras, I participate wholeheartedly.”
“The savings account has also been really helpful, as I can keep my money safe without worrying, and I can use it in case of an emergency.”
She learned about Utthaan during a community awareness camp. She registered for a health card and opened a savings account with the post office under the Utthaan project. She believes it’s an excellent opportunity for Safai Mitras and their families.
“Given the occupational hazards we are exposed to daily, I feel the health card and other welfare schemes are essential. I have seen many Safai Mitras suffer and lose their financial savings due to serious illnesses in their families.”
Bibijaan feels more secure now that she has an identity card certifying her as a sanitation worker. “The savings account has also been really helpful, as I can keep my money safe without worrying, and I can use it in case of an emergency.”
Having faced many adversities from a young age, she understands the pain of losing a loved one early. “I saw my daughter’s husband pass away at a young age. Life is so uncertain, so at least having life insurance provides some security and relief to the surviving family members.”
She has also registered for the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, which she learned about from Utthaan project mobilizers. She contributes a small portion of her earnings every month to the scheme.
Bibijaan has adopted her sister’s daughter and is now providing for her as a guardian. “I registered her for a Bal Aadhaar under the Utthaan project, which will help me get her admitted to a school. I want her to study well and build a good life for herself when she grows up.”
“I’m proud of my work. I have great hope for my children. It makes me very happy to know that, in some way, my work is contributing to a better future for them.”
I understand how due to lack of knowledge most of us suffer and are unable to receive benefits of the social welfare schemes, so if I get an opportunity to educate my fellow Safai Mitras, I always participate wholeheartedly.
