NAMASTE Scheme to Empower 66,961 Sanitation Workers Across India

The National Action Plan for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) aims to benefit 66,961 sewer and septic tank workers in 34 regions, as declared by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The scheme provides PPE kits, safety devices, Ayushman cards, and subsidies to support sanitation workers' safety and dignity.

The National Action Plan for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) is set to benefit 66,961 sewer and septic tank workers across 34 states and union territories, according to a statement from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

In response to an inquiry in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, highlighted the integration of data from Odisha and Tamil Nadu into the NAMASTE initiative's central database. The validation process identified 66,961 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs), and 45,292 PPE kits along with 354 Safety Devices Kits for Emergency Response Sanitation Units have been distributed or ordered.

Furthermore, Ayushman cards are now available to 15,160 beneficiaries, and a capital subsidy of Rs 17.23 crore has been provided to support 599 sanitation workers and their families in sanitation-related projects. Launched in July 2023 by the Ministries of Social Justice and Empowerment and Housing and Urban Affairs, the NAMASTE scheme aims to promote the safety and dignity of those engaged in the high-risk cleanup of sewers and septic tanks.

(With inputs from agencies.)