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Source: The post is based on the article ““National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)” published in PIB on 25th August 2023.
What is the News?
The Government of India is implementing the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme to stop deaths of Sewers and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and to promote mechanization of cleaning operations with a vision to reduce hazardous cleaning and ensure safety of sanitation workers.
What is the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme?
Launched by: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
Aim: To eliminate hazardous cleaning, stop deaths of sewer and septic tank workers and ensure their safety and dignity.
Type: Central Sector Scheme
Replaced by: The scheme has replaced the Self-Employment Scheme for the Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS), which was started in 2007.
Coverage: The scheme is to be implemented in all 4800+ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of the country, during the three years upto 2025-26.
Objectives of the scheme: Zero fatalities in sanitation work in India
– All sanitation work is performed by skilled workers
– No sanitation workers come in direct contact with human faecal matter
– Sanitation workers are collectivized into SHGs and are empowered to run sanitation enterprise
– All Sewer and Septic tank sanitation workers (SSWs) have access to alternative livelihoods
– Strengthened supervisory and monitoring systems at national, state and ULB levels to ensure enforcement and monitoring of safe sanitation work.
What are the key features of the Scheme to be Implemented in all ULBs?
Identification: NAMASTE envisages identifying the 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 the sanitation workers, to procure sanitation related equipment.
IEC (Information Education and Communication) Campaign: Massive campaigns would be undertaken jointly by the ULBs & NSKFDC (National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation) to spread awareness about the interventions of NAMASTE.
