The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme has validated more than 3.7 lakh sanitation workers across the country, with the Centre intensifying efforts to improve their safety, dignity and social security through mechanised sanitation and welfare initiatives.
Implemented jointly by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the flagship scheme aims to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks by promoting mechanised cleaning, skill development and comprehensive support for sanitation workers.
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar said the NAMASTE Scheme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every sanitation worker is able to work with dignity, safety and social security. He said the initiative combines mechanisation, healthcare, skill development and livelihood support to make sanitation work safer while moving towards the goal of zero fatalities in sanitation operations.
The Minister said the government has adopted a holistic approach that integrates technology, occupational safety, health protection and entrepreneurship opportunities to improve the lives of sanitation workers and their families. He added that the scheme is aligned with the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ by ensuring that sanitation workers receive the respect, protection and opportunities they deserve.
Under the scheme, sanitation workers are identified and profiled before being provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), health insurance, Ayushman Bharat coverage, occupational safety training, skill development, financial assistance for self-employment and access to modern mechanised sanitation equipment. The scheme also supports Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) with advanced safety devices for safer sanitation operations.
According to the latest data, 89,915 sewer and septic tank workers and 2,81,117 waste pickers have been validated under the scheme. A total of 87,037 PPE kits have been distributed among sewer and septic tank workers, while 1,84,118 PPE kits have been provided to waste pickers. Health cards have been issued to 76,845 sewer and septic tank workers and 1,04,729 waste pickers. In addition, 753 Emergency Response Sanitation Units have been equipped with modern safety devices to strengthen emergency sanitation services across the country.
The government said it will continue working with States, Union Territories, Urban Local Bodies and implementing agencies to expand mechanised sanitation services, strengthen occupational safety standards and improve the socio-economic well-being of sanitation workers.
The NAMASTE Scheme seeks to eliminate direct human contact with hazardous waste, promote mechanised sanitation practices, build a skilled sanitation workforce and create livelihood opportunities through self-help groups and entrepreneurship, contributing to a cleaner, safer and more inclusive India.
