Sanitation workers play a crucial role in maintaining urban hygiene, yet they often face hazardous conditions and lack social security. To address these concerns, the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme was launched. It aims to formalize sanitation work, promote mechanization, and ensure the safety and dignity of sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs).
Objectives of the NAMASTE Scheme
Eliminate manual scavenging and promote mechanized sanitation.
Ensure the safety and well-being of sewer and septic tank workers.
Provide skill development, livelihood support, and social security benefits to sanitation workers.
Facilitate financial inclusion through access to credit and welfare schemes.
Implementing Agencies and Timeline
Jointly implemented by:
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
Executing Body: National Safai Karmacharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) under MoSJE.
Duration: 2023-24 to 2025-26 (3 years).
Target Beneficiaries
Initially focused on sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs).
In 2024, waste pickers were also included in the scheme.
Key Features of NAMASTE
Mechanization of Sanitation Work: Promotes the use of modern equipment to eliminate unsafe manual cleaning.
Skill Development and Training: Equips workers with alternative livelihood skills.
Health and Safety Benefits: Provides Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and ensures coverage under Ayushman Bharat health insurance.
Financial and Social Security Support: Facilitates loans, entrepreneurship opportunities, and integration into the formal workforce.
Significance of NAMASTE
Uplifting Sanitation Workers: Provides dignity, financial stability, and improved working conditions.
Urban Sanitation Reform: Reduces health hazards and enhances efficiency in waste management.
Compliance with Constitutional and Legal Mandates: Aligns with Article 21 (Right to Life) and the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Supports Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Challenges and Way Forward
Lack of Awareness: Many sanitation workers remain unaware of available benefits.
Limited Mechanization: Need for increased investment in modern sanitation technologies.
Effective Implementation: Stronger monitoring and grievance redressal mechanisms are required.
UPSC Prelims Question
Q: With reference to the NAMASTE Scheme, consider the following statements:
It is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
The scheme aims to eliminate manual scavenging by promoting mechanized cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
The National Safai Karmacharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) is the implementing agency.
The scheme provides direct cash assistance to sanitation workers.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
UPSC Mains Question
Despite legal safeguards, manual scavenging continues to be a challenge in India. Discuss how the NAMASTE Scheme can help in addressing this issue and suggest additional measures for the welfare of sanitation workers.
(GS Paper 2 – Governance & Social Justice)
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