The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme has emerged as a major intervention for the safety, dignity and economic empowerment of sanitation workers in India. Launched in FY 2023–24, the scheme focuses on reducing hazardous manual cleaning, expanding mechanised sanitation, and improving access to protective equipment, insurance and livelihood support.
Worker Profiling and Safety Coverage
A large number of sewer and septic tank workers have been brought under the scheme. A total of 90,942 workers have been profiled, and 89,248 have been validated. Of these, 87,037 workers have received PPE kits. In addition, 76,247 workers have been covered under various health insurance schemes. These measures are aimed at reducing occupational risk and improving social security.
Mechanisation and Livelihood Support
The scheme has also promoted mechanised sanitation through financial support. An upfront capital subsidy of ₹34.17 crore has been released to 983 sanitation workers for the procurement of 364 vehicles. Further, 1,562 workshops have been conducted to prevent hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. To strengthen response capacity, 753 safety devices have been sent to Emergency Response Sanitation Units in larger municipal corporations and districts.
Inclusion of Waste Pickers
Since June 2024, waste pickers engaged in solid waste management have been included as a target group under NAMASTE in both urban and rural areas. A total of 3,78,547 waste pickers have been profiled, and 2,52,163 have been validated through e-KYC. Around 1,31,864 have received PPE kits, while data of 1,24,835 has been processed for Ayushman Card generation.
2025–26 Scheme Enhancements
The scheme has been expanded further in 2025–26. The ceiling for upfront capital subsidy under the Swachhata Udyami Yojana has been raised from ₹5 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh for individual projects and from ₹18.75 lakh to ₹25 lakh for group projects. A new component now provides 25% upfront capital subsidy to Private Sanitation Service Organisations and private contractors for mechanised cleaning equipment and vehicles. ₹14.84 crore has been released for 320 beneficiaries, known as Sanipreneurs.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026