LocationsThe Faces Behind Cleaner Streets: Safai Mitras, the Unsung Heroes
September 19, 2025
World Cleanup Day on September 20 reminds us of the importance of collective action for the environment. In India, this effort goes beyond a single day. Each morning, Safai Mitras, the waste workers who collect, sort and recycle our waste, keep the mission alive. They are the often-overlooked champions of cleanup, working on the frontlines against plastic and waste pollution.
UNDP India, together with partners from the private sector and civil society, supports the Government of India in making the work of Safai Mitras safer and more dignified. Project Utthaan is transforming not only how waste is managed but also how the people behind this work are valued. It connects Safai Mitras to social protection, training, and new opportunities, supporting their well-being as they keep our streets clean.
Since 2020, UNDP India has been working with Safai Mitras to strengthen their rights, improve their safety, and expand their access to social protection. Today, more than 27,000 Safai Mitras have been linked to at least two government social security programmes, helping build a stronger and more secure future for those who keep our cities clean.
This transformation relies on strong partnerships that reflect the collaborative spirit of driving change. Private partners, including Hindustan Unilever, Coca-Cola India Private Limited, and The Coca-Cola Foundation, fuel the initiative, while government institutions such as the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, and Urban Local Bodies across India provide institutional support. Alongside them, civil society organizations like Hasiru Dala, Stree Mukti Sanghatana, Chintan, Centre for Sustainable Development (CFSD), Vikas UdhanSive, Avani, Dalit Bahujan Resource Centre, Shakti Foundation, FINISH Society, Bal Vikas Dhara (BVD), Trust of People, and Centre for Education, Governance and Policy (CEGP) Foundation ensure last-mile connection with Safai Mitras.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has adopted the Safai Mitra Helpline under its NAMASTE Scheme as the NAMASTE Helpline, significantly expanding its reach and accessibility for Safai Mitras nationwide.
This collaborative model makes sure that Safai Mitras are no longer invisible. It connects them to entitlements, dignity, and opportunities, turning waste work into a pathway to security and hope.
Dignity at Work: A Right, Not a Reward
Women Safai Mitras at a Material Recovery Facility in Amritsar, Punjab show how essential safety gear is for their work and wellbeing. Rekha, one of the workers here, now starts her shift with gloves and a mask. Just a few years ago, she sorted waste with her bare hands and without recognition.
“The gear protects us. But more than that, it tells us our work matters.” - Rekha, Safai Mitra, associated with CSO partner - Financial Inclusion Improves Sanitation and Health (FINISH) Society (Amritsar, Punjab).
Livelihoods That Recycle Hope
Suraj, a Safai Mitra from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh turns plastic waste into reusable bags with his Self-Help Group, keeping the streets clean and creating jobs for his community.
“Every bag we stitch is one less plastic packet on the street, and one more meal for our families.” - Suraj, Safai Mitra, associated with CSO partner - Financial Inclusion Improves Sanitation and Health (FINISH) Society (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh).
Health Is a Human Right
Bhadvi Devi, a Safai Mitra, receives medicines along with her children at a health camp in New Delhi. Since her work involves handling hazardous waste, regular health check-ups are essential to safeguard the health of waste workers and their families.
“I spend my days handling waste to keep the city clean. These health check-ups remind me that my children and I matter, and that we are not invisible anymore.” - Bhadvi Devi, Safai Mitra, associated with CSO partner – Bal Vikas Dhara (BVD) (New Delhi).
Linking Rights to Identity
At a scheme linkage drive in Faridabad, Haryana, Ramvati holds up her new Aadhaar card. For the first time, she is formally registered for government schemes such as pensions and health benefits.
“Now I have proof that I exist, and that I contribute.” - Ramvati, Safai Mitra, associated with CSO partner – Centre for Education, Governance and Policy (CEGP) Foundation (Faridabad, Haryana).
A Family’s Future, Secured
Outside a school-turned-health camp in Faridabad, Haryana, Pinky and Sonu stand proudly with their children. With support from Utthaan, they've accessed both medical care and identity-linked entitlements that benefit the whole family.
“For the first time, we feel seen, not just as workers but as a family.” - Sonu, Safai Mitra associated with CSO partner - Centre for Education, Governance and Policy (CEGP) Foundation (Faridabad, Haryana).