The Government of India is taking significant steps towards ensuring the safety, dignity and social security of sanitation workers through the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme. Launched in July 2023, the initiative is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The scheme aims to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks by promoting mechanised sanitation practices and ensuring that workers are equipped with modern safety equipment and professional skills. It focuses on protecting sanitation workers from occupational hazards while providing them with better working conditions and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Under the NAMASTE Scheme, identified Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) are provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, occupational safety training and health insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) are also being strengthened with advanced safety devices to ensure safer sanitation operations.
The scheme further promotes entrepreneurship among sanitation workers by providing upfront capital subsidies for purchasing sanitation-related machinery, vehicles and equipment. It also encourages the formation of Self-Help Groups and provides opportunities for skill development and alternative livelihoods.
As of July 2026, 89,915 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers and 2,81,117 waste pickers have been validated under the scheme. Additionally, 87,037 PPE kits have been distributed among sewer and septic tank workers, while 753 Emergency Response Sanitation Units have been equipped with modern safety devices.
Through mechanisation, healthcare support, skill development and financial assistance, NAMASTE is working towards its goal of zero fatalities in sanitation work and eliminating the direct contact of workers with human waste. The initiative marks an important step towards creating a safer, healthier and more dignified working environment for sanitation workers across the country.