The Central Government is implementing the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) as a major scheme. The main aim of this scheme is to ensure the safety, dignity, and social security of sanitation workers and to promote safe, machine-based sanitation across the country. The scheme is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Its main goal is to completely end the dangerous practice of manually cleaning sewers and septic tanks.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, said that the NAMASTE Scheme reflects the Government’s strong commitment to ensuring that every sanitation worker gets the opportunity to work with dignity, safety, and social security. He said that the use of machines, skill development, healthcare services, and livelihood support is making sanitation work safer and more respectable. The Minister also said that the Government has adopted a comprehensive approach that includes modern technology, workplace safety, health protection, and self-employment opportunities to improve the lives of sanitation workers and their families.

Under the NAMASTE Scheme, sanitation workers are being identified and provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, health insurance, Ayushman Bharat benefits, safety training, skill development, financial support for self-employment, and access to modern sanitation machines. Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) are also being strengthened with modern safety equipment.

So far, 89,915 sewer and septic tank workers and 281,117 waste pickers have been verified under the scheme. A total of 87,037 PPE kits have been distributed to sewer and septic tank workers, while 184,118 PPE kits have been provided to waste pickers. Health cards have been issued to 76,845 sewer and septic tank workers and 104,729 waste pickers. In addition, 753 Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) have been equipped with modern safety devices.

The Government is continuously working with States, Union Territories, Urban Local Bodies, and other implementing agencies to expand the scheme and further improve the safety, welfare, and overall well-being of sanitation workers.

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MG/PD/AV(29/07/2026)

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