NAMASTE Scheme: Verification of 89,900+ Sewer Workers, Distribution of 87,000+ PPE Kits
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Economy
Why in news
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment informed Lok Sabha that over 89,900 sewer and septic tank workers have been verified and more than 87,000 PPE kits distributed under the NAMASTE scheme. This highlights the government's ongoing efforts to mechanize sanitation work and ensure worker safety and dignity.
Background
The NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme was launched in 2023 to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning and ensure complete mechanization of sewer and septic tank cleaning. Earlier surveys in 2013 and 2018 identified manual scavengers, but a subsequent nationwide survey found none, indicating progress in eradication.
Key facts
As of July 2026, 89,915 sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) have been verified across states and UTs under NAMASTE.
87,037 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits have been distributed to sanitation workers.
Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) have been equipped with 753 safety equipment sets including safety helmets, tripods, axial fan blowers, anti-static conduits, full-body wader suits, and multi-gas detectors.
Funds released under NAMASTE: ₹30.06 crore (2023-24), ₹47.625 crore (2024-25), ₹97.6791 crore (2025-26), and ₹28.30 crore (2026-27 so far).
Expenditure during the same periods: ₹30.06 crore, ₹35.64 crore, ~₹97.6791 crore, and ~₹12.45 crore respectively.
Surveys in 2013 and 2018 identified manual scavengers; 2018 survey found 44,217 in 14 states. A subsequent nationwide survey under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 found zero manual scavengers.
NAMASTE aims for complete mechanization of sewer and septic tank cleaning, ensuring workplace safety, social security, and livelihood support.
Prelims pointers
- NAMASTE: National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem
- Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Launched: 2023
- Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
- ERSU: Emergency Response Sanitation Unit
- Lok Sabha question answered by Minister Ramdas Athawale
Mains angles
- GS2: Social Justice – Welfare of sanitation workers, eradication of manual scavenging, role of NAMASTE scheme.
- GS3: Economy – Mechanization in sanitation, impact on informal labour, government expenditure on social schemes.
- GS2: Polity – Implementation of laws like the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act, 2013.