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A government initiative is profiling workers involved in hazardous sewer and septic tank cleaning
The profiling of sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) is being carried out by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment as part of its NAMASTE programme
91.9% of the 38,000 profiled workers belong to SC, ST, or OBC communities.
Between 2019-2023, at least 377 workers died from hazardous cleaning activities.
NAMASTE Scheme
National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)
To mechanize hazardous cleaning and ensure worker safety.
Focuses on sewer and septic tank workers, including drivers, helpers, and machine operators.
It was launched in 2022 as a Central Sector Scheme.
The scheme is being undertaken jointly by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE)
In 2023-24, this scheme was brought in to replace the Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS)
Key feature
Profile and enumerate workers in urban areas.
Provide safety training and equipment.
Offer capital subsidies to promote entrepreneurship in sanitation ("sanipreneurs")
Extending Health Insurance Scheme Benefits to identified SSWs and their families
Assistance for Safety Devices to Sanitation Response Units (SRUs)
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