Mandya: Women are emerging as key drivers of public sanitation in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district, taking responsibility beyond household cleanliness, managing sanitation services at the gram panchayat level.Of the 39 gram panchayats in the taluk, sanitation services in as many as 22 are now led by women, the highest number of women-led sanitation units in the district. Their contribution was also evident during the recent Mahotsava for Adi Jagadguru Shivarathri Shivayogi of Suttur at Malavalli, where they played a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness throughout the programme. These women work under the Swachatha Vahini Kendra, the district-level sanitation service centre that coordinates solid waste management activities across panchayats. The centre oversees deployment of sanitation vehicles, along with drivers and assistants, and functions as the implementing agency for cleanliness initiatives under local bodies. Until about six months ago, only 3-4 women were involved in this work. However, following the efforts of the zilla panchayat CEO, K R Nandini, and executive officer Srinivas, the number has risen to 22 women drivers with an equal number of assistants. All women drivers underwent formal training and obtained driving licences to operate sanitation vehicles. At present, drivers are paid an honorarium of Rs 7,500 per month, while assistants receive Rs 5,500. They generally work for about five hours a day, ensuring door-to-door waste collection and overall cleanliness across villages. In the coming weeks, 4-5 more women are expected to join the team, which will raise the total strength to around 30 drivers and assistants. Ramya, who has been driving a sanitation vehicle for the past two years, said the work demands commitment and discipline, with sustained work for around 6 hours a day on alternate days, covering entire gram panchayat areas that often include around seven villages. Sowmya, who supervises the women drivers and assistants, said the initiative has brought visible change in sanitation management across the taluk. She noted that women-led teams are now responsible for cleanliness in 22 panchayats and that the number will increase further soon.
