Understanding the NAMASTE Scheme: A Comprehensive Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | NAMASTE Scheme (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) |
| Initiating Ministries | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs |
| Implementing Agency | National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Budget | ₹349.73 crores |
| Objective | Eliminate manual engagement of sanitation workers in hazardous sewer and septic tank cleaning operations, ensure their safety, and empower them through alternate livelihoods. |
| Key Components | |
| 1. Profiling of SSWs | - Creation of a national database with unique NAMASTE IDs.- Online and state-level training for ULB Nodal Officers and surveyors.- Collection of sanitation profile data from ULBs. |
| 2. Health & Safety | - Enrollment of SSWs under PM-JAY for health insurance.- Occupational safety training.- Establishment of Sanitation Response Units (SRUs). |
| 3. Capital Subsidy | - Capital subsidy up to ₹5.00 lakh for sanitation vehicles/equipment.- Distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).- Provision of safety devices to ERSUs. |
| 4. IEC Campaign | Conducting IEC campaigns for awareness of SSW safety and dignity.Capacity building of ULB Nodal Officers and surveyors. |
| Training Initiatives | |
| Mobile App Training | Conducted in multiple states via physical and online sessions for effective dissemination in regional languages. |
| Current Progress | Profiling initiated in 28 states with IEC campaigns.28,732 SSWs surveyed, 21,760 validated as of March 6, 2024. |