In recognition of the tireless efforts of sanitation workers during the entire stretch of Mahakumbh, the Uttar Pradesh Government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced a special bonus and a slew of incentives for all who played a crucial role in Prayagraj. The announcement came on Thursday, a day after the 45-day mega religious event drew to a close, having attracted millions of pilgrims from across the world.
During a special event at the Ganga Mandapam in Prayagraj, CM Adityanath personally thanked the sanitation workers, alongside health workers, police personnel, boatmen, and other staff who ensured the smooth functioning of the historic gathering.
Addressing the gathering, he said that each sanitation worker involved in the Maha Kumbh would receive a bonus of Rs 10,000 as a token of appreciation for their dedication in maintaining cleanliness during the massive event, which earned the State multiple Guinness World Records, including one for the largest coordinated cleanliness drive.
In addition to the bonus, the Chief Minister announced that starting April 2025, the State Government would ensure a minimum wage of Rs 16,000 per month for sanitation workers. This measure aims to provide financial stability and dignity to these essential workers. Besides, the Government pledged free medical treatment and health coverage for the sanitation staff, acknowledging the health risks they face while performing their duties.
“Our sanitation workers are the backbone of events such as the Maha Kumbh. Their hard work ensured that millions of devotees could participate in this spiritual journey with cleanliness and safety. This bonus and the incentives are a small gesture to honor their contribution,” Adityanath said.
He also credited the success of the Maha Kumbh to the collective efforts of all staff involved and the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Uttar Pradesh Government’s initiative has been widely praised as a step towarda recognising the often-overlooked contributions of sanitation staff.
The Maha Kumbh, which concluded on February 26, 2025, was hailed as the world’s largest and most historic gathering, with the State Government’s efforts in sanitation and coordination earning global attention.
This announcement aligns with the Yogi Adityanath administration’s broader focus on social welfare and worker upliftment, as reflected in the State’s record-breaking Rs 8.08 -lakh-crore budget for 2025-26, presented earlier this month.
The incentives for sanitation staff are seen as a continuation of these efforts to improve livelihoods and ensure fair treatment for all workers in the state.