RB (erstwhile Reckitt Benckiser), in association with the World Toilet Organization (Singapore) and Jagran Pehel has laid the foundation of India’s first World Toilet College for sanitation workers in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Through an effective curriculum, the World Toilet College aims to introduce an enabling program for sanitation workers. The program will help in their skill development and improvement of their socio-economic standard by providing better employment opportunities.
The event was attended by eminent dignitaries including Jack Sim, Founder of World Toilet Organization; Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji, President – Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Co-Founder Global Interfaith Wash Alliance; Sadhavi Bhagwati Saraswati Ji, Secretary General, Global Interfaith Wash Alliance; Nipun Vinayak – Commissioner, Aurangabad; Dr. Rekha Bahanwal, General Secretary, All India Walmiki Mahasabha; Narasimhan Eswar, Senior Vice President, South Asia-RB Home Hygiene; S.M Sharma, Founder Chairman and Chief Advisory, Pehel & Group Advisor to the Board of Dainik Jagran among others and Senior Members of partner agencies like BVG, Kamshala, IL&FS and Dalberg.
The workers involved in manual cleaning and handling of sewerage often face critical health issues, however are bound to continue working under these circumstances due to financial constraints and socio-psychological barriers. Public rebuke of being seen as ‘non-dignified workers’ and lack of technological substitutes add to their wretched working conditions. With this alliance, Harpic Dettol Banega Swachh India, the flagship initiative under RB, aims to provide sanitation workers with a dignified livelihood, access to basic rights and improve their self-esteem.
At the event, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati ji, President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram and Co-Founder Global Interfaith Wash Alliance said, “Sanitation is the very foundation upon which one builds a healthy life however; unfortunately it is also one of the biggest struggles in our country. Furthermore, it is quite sad to see the condition of the sanitation worker community and the lives they live. Launch of the World Toilet College will set an important example of an institution that will help provide the right knowledge sharing platform leading to the upliftment of one of the most important sections of the society.”
