NAMASTE Scheme: Nationwide Survey of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers

Why in News?

A nationwide survey covering over 4,800 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) was conducted under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme to identify Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and strengthen their safety and dignity in sanitation work.

Survey Objective: The survey was conducted to identify Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) under the NAMASTE scheme — not manual scavengers — to ensure improved working conditions and safety.
Fatality Data: According to the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK), 471 sanitation workers have lost their lives due to hazardous sewer and septic tank cleaning between 2019 and October 2025.
Legal Prohibition: Section 7 of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 prohibits hazardous entry into sewer or septic tanks.
NAMASTE Scheme: Launched in 2023–24 by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment in convergence with the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Scheme Objectives: The scheme aims to eliminate manual entry into sewer and septic tanks and promote mechanised cleaning to achieve zero fatality and protect workers health.
Scheme Components: Support includes safety devices for Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs), capital subsidies for mechanised equipment, occupational safety training, and workshops on prevention of hazardous cleaning.
SBM-U 2.0 Linkage: Under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, the Used Water Management (UWM) component focuses on eradicating hazardous sewer/septic tank entry through mechanisation.

Print PDF Print This Article