The Central Government has started ‘Namaste’ scheme for the safety and respect of sanitation workers. Its objective is to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks and promote mechanized cleaning. Under this, workers will get the benefit of PPE kit, health insurance and skill development.
New Delhi [भारत]July 19 (ANI): The Government of India is implementing the ‘National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem’ (Namaste) as a major initiative to ensure the safety, dignity and social security of sanitation workers while accelerating the transition towards mechanized sanitation across the country. Implemented jointly by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the scheme aims to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks by promoting mechanized cleaning practices, skill development and comprehensive welfare measures for sanitation workers.
Minister’s emphasis on government’s commitment
Highlighting the government’s commitment to the welfare of sanitation workers, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar said that the Namaste scheme reflects the unwavering commitment of the government to ensure that every sanitation worker is able to work with dignity, safety and social security. He said that through mechanization, skill development, healthcare and livelihood support, we are transforming sanitation work into a safer and more respected profession, while also moving towards the goal of zero deaths in sanitation work. The minister said the government has adopted a holistic approach that combines technology, occupational safety, health protection and entrepreneurship opportunities to improve the lives of sanitation workers and their families. He emphasized that the scheme is in line with the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ by ensuring that those who contribute to public health and sanitation get the respect, protection and opportunities they deserve.
Benefits available under the scheme
Under the Namaste scheme, sanitation workers are being identified, profiled and provided with multiple benefits including personal protective equipment (PPE), health insurance, Ayushman Bharat coverage, occupational safety training, skill development, financial assistance for self-employment and access to modern mechanized sanitation equipment. Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) are also being strengthened with advanced safety equipment to ensure safe sanitation operations. The scheme aims to achieve zero mortality in sanitation work, eliminate direct human contact with hazardous waste, ensure that sanitation operations are carried out through mechanized equipment, create a skilled sanitation workforce and promote entrepreneurship among sanitation workers through self-help groups and other livelihood opportunities.
Achievements till now
As part of its latest achievements, 89,915 sewer and septic tank workers and 2,81,117 waste pickers have been certified under the scheme. A total of 87,037 PPE kits have been distributed to sewer and septic tank workers and 1,84,118 PPE kits have been distributed to waste collectors. Health cards have been issued to 76,845 sewer and septic tank workers and 1,04,729 waste pickers, while 753 Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) have been equipped with modern safety equipment to strengthen emergency sanitation services across the country.
The Government continues to work closely with States, Union Territories, urban local bodies and implementing agencies to expand mechanized sanitation services, strengthen occupational safety standards and improve the socio-economic well-being of sanitation workers. Through sustained collaboration and community engagement, Namaste Scheme is contributing to building a cleaner, safer and more inclusive India, while ensuring dignity and respect for those who play a vital role in protecting public health. (ANI)
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