NAMASTE Scheme

February 15, 2025

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment (SJ&E), Dr. Virender Kumar visited Jammu recently. On the occasion, he distributed Ayushman health cards and PPE kits to Safai Mitras under the flagship NAMASTE Scheme

Objectives of the NAMASTE Scheme

The primary goal of the NAMASTE scheme is to ensure zero fatalities among sanitation workers.
It seeks to achieve this by ensuring that all sanitation work is performed by skilled workers.
The scheme also aims to eliminate direct contact with human faecal matter for sanitation workers.
Furthermore, it promotes the collectivisation of these workers into Self Help Groups (SHGs) to empower them in running sanitation enterprises.

Key Features of the NAMASTE Scheme

The NAMASTE scheme includes several key features.
It begins with the identification of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs).
The scheme provides occupational training and distributes Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to these workers.
It also offers assistance for safety devices to Sanitation Response Units (SRUs) and extends health insurance benefits under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Livelihood assistance is another critical component, promoting mechanisation and enterprise development through funding support.

Tackling Manual Scavenging

Manual scavenging is a dehumanising practice involving the removal of human excrement from public spaces.
The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, enacted in 2013, aims to eliminate this practice.
The NAMASTE scheme complements this effort by promoting mechanisation and providing training to sanitation workers, thereby reducing reliance on manual scavenging.

Government Initiatives and Support

The government has introduced several legislative measures to support sanitation workers.
This includes the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill, which proposes complete mechanisation of sewer cleaning.
There are also provisions for compensation to families of sanitation workers who have died while performing their duties.
The Prevention of Atrocities Act provides additional protection to sanitation workers, especially those from Scheduled Castes, ensuring their rights and dignity.

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