A special programme focused on the ‘National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE), through the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, was organized on May 5, 2025, at the DIET Auditorium in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and honored sanitation workers. The aim of the NAMASTE programme is to socially and economically empower the workers engaged in sanitation work, enabling them to have safe, dignified, and sustainable livelihoods.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion the Minister said that this is not just a government scheme, but a resolution to bring real change in the lives of the people in society who work the hardest. He appreciated the social organizations and citizens for participating in this public-sensitive programme and becoming a part of this social change.
Key Highlights of the Programme were:
Distribution of PPE kits and Ayushman cards to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs).
Distribution of Sewing Machines to beneficiaries.
Teachers and staff of DIET created attractive Rangoli in honor of the sanitation workers.
So far, 73,768 sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) have been profiled across the country. Out of these, 45,871 have been provided with PPE kits, 354 with safety equipment, and 27,103 beneficiaries have received Ayushman cards.
In Budaun and Shahjahanpur districts, the profiling of a total of 324 SSWs has been completed and provided with PPE kits and Ayushman cards during the program. Sewing machines for self-employment were also distributed to some beneficiaries from Shahjahanpur.