NAMASTE Scheme

• Context (PIB): Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment distributes PPE Kits and Ayushman Cards to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers under NAMASTE Scheme.

About NAMASTE Scheme

• National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• It has replaced the Self-Employment Scheme for the Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS).
• It is a Central sector scheme launched in 2022.
• Nodal Ministry: Jointly by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• Objective: Aims to eliminate the manual engagement of sanitation workers in hazardous tasks related to sewer and septic tank cleaning.
• Implemented by: National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
• Duration: 3 years (FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26).
• Target Groups: Sewer and septic tank sanitation workers (SSWs) in urban areas.

Components of the Scheme

• Profiling of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers: Creating national database with unique NAMASTE ID for each worker.
• Health Insurance: SSWs will be covered under Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana health insurance scheme.
• Safety Measures: SSWs will receive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits & access to safety devices.
• Training: Occupational safety training will be provided.
• Financial Incentive: Capital subsidy of up to Rs. 5 lakh for sanitation-related vehicles/equipment will create livelihood opportunities through subsidized machinery.
• Sanipreneurship: Capacity building will encourage SSWs to start their sanitation enterprises.