NAMASTE Scheme (Government Schemes & Initiatives)
NAMASTE Scheme (Government Schemes & Initiatives)
Why In News:
The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, implemented jointly by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
NAMASTE is a human-centric, rights-based initiative launched in 2023 as a Central Sector Scheme for three years (2023–24 to 2025–26).
Objective: Promoting the formalization, rehabilitation, and empowerment of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and waste pickers by ensuring their safety, dignity, and social inclusion.
Source: PIB Today, 19 July 2026 - 'NAMASTE Scheme: Ensuring dignity, safety and social security for sanitation workers'
Key Pillars of NAMASTE
Mechanisation: Provision of machines to replace manual entry into sewers and septic tanks, reducing the risk of asphyxiation and death.
Safety: Mandatory provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all sanitation workers engaged in hazardous cleaning.
Skill and Training: Capacity building of sanitation workers to operate mechanised equipment safely.
Health Insurance: Coverage for sanitation workers, often linked with schemes such as Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
Legal and Constitutional Backdrop
The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 legally bans manual scavenging and provides for rehabilitation of manual scavengers.
The scheme is framed as upholding Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity) and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 8 (Decent Work) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
Key Facts for Prelims
The National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC) provides financial assistance and livelihood support to sanitation workers and their dependents.
National Commission for Safai Karamcharis was set up in 1994 under the NCSK Act, 1993, and later became a non-statutory body in 2004 under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Structure: It consists of a Chairperson (with Minister of State rank), a Vice-Chairperson, and five members, including one woman.
Mandate:
Recommends policies for welfare and rehabilitation of Safai Karamcharis.
Monitors implementation of laws such as the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act, 2013.
Addresses grievances and examines policy gaps.
Ensures compensation of ₹30 lakh for sewer deaths and ₹10–20 lakh for disabilities, as per the Supreme Court (2023) ruling.
Working: Functions through field visits, grievance redressal, policy review, suo motu actions, meetings, and submits reports to the Ministry.