On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered high praise for the sanitation and health workers at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh. He presented them with gifts and insurance certificates from the Swachh Kumbh Fund. In a notable announcement, the Chief Minister declared that each sanitation and health worker involved in the Mahakumbh event would receive an additional bonus of ₹10,000 from the state government.

Additionally, CM Adityanath revealed that starting in April, the state would establish a dedicated corporation to ensure fair wages. As part of this initiative, every sanitation and health worker, as well as those previously denied minimum wages, would receive a monthly salary of ₹16,000 directly in their bank accounts through direct bank transfer (DBT).

CM Adityanath further announced comprehensive coverage for all sanitation and health workers under a ₹5 lakh health insurance scheme through Ayushman Bharat or the Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana. This announcement received enthusiastic applause from the workers present.

In a heartfelt acknowledgment of their vital contributions to the grand Prayagraj Mahakumbh, held from January 13 to February 26, the Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to their welfare and appreciation for their service. He underscored that the success of the Mahakumbh was a testament to the power of teamwork and collective effort, praising the workers for showing that with determination and proper support, significant goals can be attained.

CM Adityanath urged a renewed commitment to cleanliness as part of a special sanitation campaign and encouraged all officials and employees to participate as a tribute to Maa Ganga. He noted how his cabinet felt privileged to honor the sanitation workers and to share a community meal with them.

Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration of the Mahakumbh on December 13, he acknowledged the essential role played by the Government of India and various ministries, alongside the Uttar Pradesh government, in ensuring the event’s successful execution, which greatly contributed to Prayagraj’s transformation into a smart city. He noted that visitors were particularly impressed by the high standards of cleanliness maintained by sanitation workers and the exemplary conduct of law enforcement.

CM Adityanath commended the people of Prayagraj for embracing the Mahakumbh, hosting langars, welcoming guests, and prioritizing the event over personal hardships. He pointed out the challenge of hosting such a large gathering, noting the remarkable collaboration of 25-30 lakh residents accommodating crores of visitors. He likened it to a household of five struggling with ten guests, yet the people of Prayagraj managed the monumental event with patience and enthusiasm.

Inspired by this communal spirit, the entire state rallied, making the Mahakumbh a resounding triumph. The Chief Minister congratulated the people of Uttar Pradesh for exemplifying hospitality and providing a memorable experience to pilgrims and revered sants.

Highlighting new tourism opportunities arising from the Mahakumbh, he stated that it unveiled various spiritual tourism circuits across the state. One significant circuit connects Prayagraj to Kashi via Maa Vindhyavasini Dham, which received daily congregations of 5 to 7 lakh visitors. Additionally, Kashi’s Baba Vishwanath Dham welcomed 10 to 15 lakh devotees each day during this time. Another circuit linked Ayodhya Dham and Gorakhpur, attracting 7 to 12 lakh visitors daily to Ayodhya, while Gorakhpur saw daily gatherings of 2 to 2.5 lakh devotees from January 1 to the present. Further connections were established from Prayagraj to Lucknow and Naimisharanya, as well as Rajapur, Chitrakoot, and a circuit through Bundelkhand to Mathura, Vrindavan, and Shuktirtha, all experiencing significant footfall.

The CM emphasized the uniqueness of this global gathering of faith, noting that 66 crore 30 lakh devotees participated without a single reported crime, including kidnapping or robbery. He stated, “Even under the closest scrutiny, no such incidents were found,” and addressed efforts by detractors who attempted to undermine the event with misinformation.

He criticized previous governments for failing to honor India’s profound faith and spiritual heritage, while also highlighting the positive economic impact of the Mahakumbh, noting its ability to foster both faith and financial growth. CM Adityanath quoted Lord Ved Vyas from 5,000 years ago, emphasizing that following the path of righteousness leads to success, and applauded the people of Prayagraj for validating this age-old wisdom.

He remarked that the Mahakumbh not only generated numerous jobs but also positioned Uttar Pradesh’s economy for unprecedented growth. The event served as a remarkable fusion of faith and economic prosperity, captivating local and international attention, with participation from ministers and heads of state from over a dozen countries, including representatives from 74 nations.

During the ceremony, CM Adityanath was also honored with a Guinness World Record certificate for three exceptional achievements by the Mela Authority: the largest simultaneous river-cleaning drive, the largest sanitation campaign involving 19,000 workers, and the largest handprint artwork created by over 10,000 participants within eight hours.

At this event, he unveiled ‘The Essence of Kumbh,’ a book by the Tourism Department detailing the Mahakumbh’s spiritual and cultural significance. Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna, Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, and other officials were also in attendance.