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National Action for Mechanized Sanitation
Ecosystem (NAMASTE)

Components of NAMASTE Scheme

  • Profiling of Sewer Entry Professionals/Septic Tank Workers (SSWs).
  • Health Insurance coverage of SSWs under PM-JAY.
  • Training of SSWs, Sewer Entry Professionals, and Duty Supervisors.
  • Capital Subsidy on Loans to SSWs for procurement of Sanitation Related Vehicles/Equipment through Swachhta Udyami Yojana.
  • Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for SSWs.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MSJE) has formulated a scheme “National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem” (NAMASTE). The process of extending the Scheme to all the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of the country has been initiated. The main features of the Scheme to be implemented in all ULBs are as follows:

  • Identification: NAMASTE envisions identifying Sewer/Septic Tank Workers (SSWs).
  • Occupational Training and distribution of PPE Kits to SSWs.
  • Assistance for Safety Devices to Sanitation Response Units (SRUs).
  • Extending Health Insurance Scheme Benefits to identified SSWs and their families under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
  • Livelihood Assistance: The Action Plan will promote mechanization and enterprise development by providing funding support and subsidy (capital + interest) to sanitation workers, to procure sanitation-related equipment.
  • IEC Campaign: Massive campaigns would be undertaken jointly by the ULBs & NSKFDC to spread awareness about the interventions of NAMASTE.

NAMASTE SCHEME

Profiling of Sewer Entry Professionals/Septic Tank Workers

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and parastatal agencies will compile a list of Sanitation Workers (SSWs) employed by them. These workers will be verified during profiling camps conducted by ULBs, collecting additional details such as information about their dependents and their access to entitlements. The complete profile will be made available on the NAMASTE portal.

Extending Health Insurance Scheme Benefits

To provide safety nets for workers and their families in case of illness or accidents, SSWs and their families, as well as identified manual scavengers and their families, will be covered under the Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PM-JAY) by the National Health Authority.

Occupational Training

Sanitation Workers will undergo capacity building programs to equip them with modern sanitation techniques, awareness on occupational hazards, and usage of mechanized tools and equipment. This will enable a shift from unsafe manual practices to safe and dignified work environments.

Provision of PPE for SSWs

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits will be distributed to SSWs to ensure their safety while performing sanitation-related tasks. These kits will include gloves, masks, boots, and other safety gear necessary for safe handling of waste and hazardous materials.

Provision of Safety Devices to ULBs

ULBs will be provided with modern safety devices and equipment to ensure mechanized cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. This initiative aims to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning and promote safe and sustainable practices.

Workshops on Hazardous Cleaning of Sewers and Septic Tanks

Workshops and training sessions will be organized to spread awareness about the risks of manual scavenging and the need for mechanization. Stakeholders will be educated about best practices in sanitation management and safe alternatives to hazardous cleaning.

Mechanised Cleaning Equipment/Machines

The scheme promotes adoption of mechanized cleaning equipment such as suction machines, jetting machines, and robotic tools to replace hazardous manual scavenging and ensure the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.

Goals and Objectives

The NAMASTE web portal and mobile apps serve as a centralized system for the NAMASTE scheme, offering comprehensive support through multiple user roles. Designed to enhance efficiency, the platform facilitates seamless management, streamlined data exchange, and robust reporting capabilities. The user-friendly interface of both the web portal and mobile apps aims to optimize user experience, fostering accessibility and engagement among participants in the NAMASTE scheme.