Municipal Corporation Chandigarh signs MoU with Door to Door waste collectors

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla presents the MoU & sanitation kits to Safai Saathis

Chandigarh, December 3:- The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today marked a significant milestone in strengthening the city’s cleanliness ecosystem by formally signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to the door-to-door waste collectors and distributing sanitation kits to all MoU workers.

The ceremony was held in the presence of city Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, Special Commissioner Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS, Chairman Sanitation Committee Sh. Manoj Sonkar, Sh. Yogesh Dhingra, area councilor, other councilor committee members, Dr. Inderdeep Kaur, Medical Officer of Health, senior officers of MCC, representatives of the Waste Collectors’ Union, Safai Saathis, and local residents.

While addressing all attendees, the Mayor expressed deep gratitude to the Door to Door waste collectors (Safai Saathis) for their relentless commitment.
“Chandigarh is known as the City Beautiful not just because of its architecture and greenery, but because of the tireless efforts of the Safai Saathis who ensure the city remains clean every single day,” she said.

Highlighting the city’s progress since the inception of the Swachh Bharat Mission, she emphasized that segregated waste collection has been key to Chandigarh’s goal of becoming a zero-landfill city. She noted the visionary decision that made Chandigarh one of the first cities to formalize the role of informal waste collectors through an MoU back in 2021.

Referring to the present MoU, the Mayor said,
“This new agreement is the result of extensive discussions, mutual respect, and collective problem-solving. Today’s ceremony is a symbol of the recognition and appreciation for the 926 waste collectors who have been reintegrated and empowered under this new system.”

The Mayor said that recently, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has given jegrry, oil & soap (Gur, Tel and Saabun) to all the Safaimitras besides releasing their long pending arrears.

She thanked the MCC team, the Sanitation Committee, the union representatives, and the residents of Chandigarh for their unwavering cooperation.

MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, commended the collaborative approach that led to the finalization of the new MOU.
“Our goal has always been to strengthen systems, enhance dignity of labour, and ensure efficient and sustainable waste management for the city. This MOU reflects our commitment to transparency, service delivery, and welfare of our Safai Saathis,” he said.

He reiterated the Corporation’s focus on capacity-building, infrastructure improvement, and continuous monitoring to keep Chandigarh among the cleanest cities in the country.

MC Special Commissioner Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS, highlighted the extensive work undertaken over the past months to refine and streamline the waste collection framework.
“The new MOU brings clarity, structure, and accountability for both MCC and the waste collectors. It aligns with modern waste management practices and ensures dignity, safety, and formal recognition for this crucial workforce,” he said.
He also appreciated the dedicated efforts of all MCC departments involved in the process.

MC Sanitation Committee Chairman Sh. Manoj Sonkar emphasized the pivotal role of the committee in bridging communication between stakeholders.
“The Sanitation Committee played a crucial role in holding multiple consultative meetings, resolving long-pending issues, and developing workable solutions. We stand committed to ensuring that the provisions of the MOU are implemented effectively on ground,” he added.
He praised the Safai Saathis for their discipline, commitment, and contribution to Chandigarh’s prestig…
===========================================

MC Chandigarh strengthens winter safety measures; Commissioner takes stock of arrangements at Night Shelters

Chandigarh, December 3:- The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has activated its winter night shelters to safeguard vulnerable citizens from the harsh cold conditions.

In a proactive move to ensure comfort, safety, and dignity for all inmates, Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS conducted an extensive inspection of various night shelters across the city late evening, reviewing the arrangements and directing officials to maintain round-the-clock readiness throughout the winter season.

A total of eight night shelters are now fully operational in Chandigarh, collectively offering accommodation for 450 persons, including 325 for gents and 12…
=============================================

MC Chandigarh enforces strict aadhaar-based biometric attendance; Salary to be released only through linked system from December

Chandigarh, December 3:- Taking a firm stand on transparency and accountability, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has mandated strict compliance with the Aadhaar-based biometric attendance system for all its officials and employees.

Despite earlier directions to implement Aadhaar-linked salary disbursement starting November, the system could not be fully operationalized due to technical and administrative delays.

Reviewing the matter seriously, MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS convened a high-level meeting today to assess the progress of the biometric integration. Expressing dissatisfaction over the repeat…