<h4>Introduction to NAMASTE Scheme</h4><p>The <strong>National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)</strong> scheme is a significant joint initiative. It is spearheaded by the <strong>Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)</strong> and the <strong>Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)</strong>.</p><p>The primary focus of <strong>NAMASTE</strong> is the complete elimination of <strong>manual scavenging</strong> in India. It also aims to significantly enhance the <strong>safety and dignity</strong> of sanitation workers across the nation.</p><h4>Funding and Coverage</h4><div class='info-box'><p>The <strong>NAMASTE</strong> scheme has been allocated a substantial outlay of <strong>Rs. 349.70 crore</strong>. This funding is designed to support its extensive implementation across urban areas.</p><p>The scheme aims for comprehensive coverage, targeting <strong>all 4800+ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)</strong> throughout India. This ambitious goal is set to be achieved by the fiscal year <strong>2025-26</strong>.</p></div><h4>Scheme Evolution and Replacement</h4><p><strong>NAMASTE</strong> replaces an earlier government initiative, the <strong>Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS)</strong>. This marks a strategic shift in approach towards sanitation worker welfare.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The new modified scheme emphasizes a proactive approach, starting with the <strong>profiling of Sewer/Septic Tanks Workers (SSWs)</strong>. These workers are typically engaged by various <strong>Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)</strong>.</p></div><h4>Key Objectives of NAMASTE</h4><p>The scheme outlines several critical objectives to achieve its overarching goal. These objectives are designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and empowerment of sanitation workers.</p><ul><li><strong>Profiling of SSWs:</strong> To accurately identify and register all <strong>Sewer/Septic Tanks Workers (SSWs)</strong> engaged by <strong>ULBs</strong>.</li><li><strong>Occupational Safety Training:</strong> To provide comprehensive training to SSWs, equipping them with the necessary skills for safe sanitation work.</li><li><strong>Provision of Equipment:</strong> To supply <strong>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits</strong> to all eligible SSWs, ensuring their safety during operations.</li><li><strong>Health Insurance:</strong> To extend health insurance coverage under the <strong>Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)</strong> to SSWs.</li><li><strong>Promoting 'Sanipreneurs':</strong> To offer capital subsidies, encouraging SSWs to transition into <strong>“sanipreneurs”</strong> or sanitation entrepreneurs. This fosters <strong>self-employment</strong> and formal employment opportunities.</li><li><strong>Eliminating Fatalities:</strong> A crucial objective is to achieve <strong>zero fatalities</strong> in sanitation work, addressing a long-standing and grave issue.</li><li><strong>Improving Living Conditions:</strong> To enhance the overall living conditions and health standards of sanitation workers, ensuring a dignified life.</li></ul><h4>Progress of Profiling (as of September 2024)</h4><div class='info-box'><p>Significant progress has been made in the profiling process. As of <strong>September 2024</strong>, approximately <strong>38,000 SSWs</strong> have been profiled across <strong>1,326 ULBs</strong>.</p><p>Interestingly, <strong>283 ULBs</strong> reported having <strong>zero SSWs</strong>, indicating varying levels of mechanization or local practices. Additionally, <strong>2,364 ULBs</strong> reported fewer than <strong>10 SSWs</strong>.</p></div><h4>State-Level Efforts</h4><p>Efforts to implement the <strong>NAMASTE</strong> scheme are underway across various states and Union Territories.</p><ul><li><strong>Completed Profiling:</strong> <strong>12 states and Union Territories</strong> have successfully completed the profiling process. Notable examples include <strong>Kerala</strong> and <strong>Rajasthan</strong>.</li><li><strong>Profiling in Progress:</strong> <strong>17 states</strong> are currently in the process of profiling their SSWs. This includes states like <strong>Andhra Pradesh</strong> and <strong>Uttar Pradesh</strong>.</li></ul><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>For <strong>UPSC Mains GS-II (Social Justice)</strong>, understanding the shift from <strong>SRMS</strong> to <strong>NAMASTE</strong> and its multi-faceted approach to worker welfare and mechanization is crucial. Focus on the scheme's objectives and implementation challenges.</p></div>