NAMASTE Scheme Validates 89,915 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers; Distributes 87,037 PPE Kits

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The cumulative expenditure during this period stood at approximately ₹175.83 crore, representing about 86.3% of the total funds released.

NEW DELHI (India CSR): The Government of India has validated 89,915 sewer and septic tank workers and distributed 87,037 Personal Protective Equipment kits across the country under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem Scheme. The NAMASTE Scheme aims to eliminate hazardous sanitation practices by promoting the complete mechanisation of sewer and septic tank cleaning. It also focuses on occupational safety, social security, dignified working conditions and livelihood assistance for sanitation workers.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale shared the information in a written reply to Appalanaidu Kalisetti and Dr Byreddy Shabari in the Lok Sabha. The minister said surveys to identify manual scavengers were conducted in 2013 and 2018. The 2018 survey identified 44,217 manual scavengers across 14 states. A subsequent nationwide survey conducted under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, did not identify any manual scavenger, according to the government.

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Launched in 2023, the NAMASTE Scheme has also strengthened Emergency Response Sanitation Units. A total of 753 safety device sets have been supplied to these units nationwide. The equipment includes safety helmets with torches, safety tripods, axial fan blowers, anti-static conduits, full-body wader suits and multi-gas detectors. These devices are intended to reduce occupational risks during sewer and septic tank operations.

Financial Implications

As a Central Sector Scheme, NAMASTE does not provide state-wise fund allocations. The Centre has released a total of Rs. 203.66 crore since the scheme’s launch in 2023. This includes Rs. 30.06 crore in 2023-24, Rs. 47.625 crore in 2024-25, Rs. 97.6791 crore in 2025-26 and Rs. 28.30 crore in 2026-27 to date.

The cumulative expenditure during this period stood at approximately Rs. 175.83 crore, representing about 86.3% of the total funds released. The ministry said it remains committed to improving sanitation workers’ safety and dignity through modern equipment, protective gear, mechanisation, emergency-response infrastructure and social protection while working towards eliminating hazardous manual sanitation practices nationwide.