For the first time in Belagavi, sanitation workers participated in the Independence Day parade, an event traditionally dominated by police personnel and students.
Belagavi City has 339 permanent sanitation workers, 280 of whom are under the direct salary scheme, and 1,058 on contract. Out of these, 33 workers, including 12 women, were selected for the ceremonial march. The city-level Independence Day celebration began at 7:30 am on August 15 at the Belagavi City Corporation premises, followed by the district-level event at 9:00 am at the District Sports Ground, where the workers also marched.
Preparations had been underway for eight days before the event, with participants practicing regularly at the District Sports Ground while managing their daily duties. On rainy days, training was held inside the City Corporation compound.
“We trained the sanitation workers in parade marching with guidance from army personnel and police officers,” said Hanamant Kaladagi, Assistant Executive Engineer, Environment Department.
“Until now, we only knew cleaning work. We joined annual sports meets, but being selected for the parade brought pride and excitement,” said Anand Pipare, one of the chosen workers.
Commissioner B Shubha said, “Sanitation workers are more than their cleaning duties. This initiative was meant to recognise their role in society and instil patriotism among them.”
