Under the Government of India’s National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme, a program was organized on 23.08.2025 at Shri Krishna Memorial Hall, Gandhi Maidan Road, Kargil Chowk, Patna, Bihar in the esteemed presence of Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Union Minister, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.
The Hon’ble Minister shared information about the NAMASTE scheme, aimed at ensuring dignity, safety, and social-economic empowerment of sanitation workers. He informed that under the scheme, 85,819 Sewer & Septic Tank Workers have been profiled so far, 76,736 workers have been provided PPE Kits, and 60,586 workers have been given Ayushman Cards.
To promote awareness of the importance and utility of PPE Kits, an attractive Rang Paridhan program (Fashion Show) was also organized, which received appreciation from all. In Patna, a total of 408 Sewer & Septic Tank Workers have been validated through profiling, out of which 25 SSWs and 25 Waste Pickers were symbolically provided PPE Kits during the program, and 25 sanitation workers were handed Ayushman Cards.
Additionally, safety equipment was distributed for ERSU. The event stood as a testimony to the government’s commitment to “Priority to the Deprived”, ensuring that those historically underserved or neglected are being provided with the rightful support they deserve.
This dedication to prioritizing marginalized groups reflects the government’s broader vision of a “Developed India”, where every individual has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the nation’s growth journey.
The program was also graced by the presence of Shri Madan Sahni, Hon’ble Minister, Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar; Shri Jivesh Kumar, Hon’ble Minister, Urban Development & Housing Department, Government of Bihar; Shri Janak Ram, Hon’ble Minister, SC/ST Welfare Department, Government of Bihar; Smt. Sita Sahu, Mayor, Patna Municipal Corporation; Ms. Yogita Swaroop, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India; Shri Animesh Kumar Parashar, Municipal Commissioner, Patna; Shri Vijay Prakash Meena, Additional Secretary, Urban Development & Housing Department, Government of Bihar; Shri Prabhat Kumar Singh, Managing Director, National Safai Karamchari Finance & Development Corporation; Shri Yogesh Kumar, Director, Directorate of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Bihar; and Shri Shyam Bihari Meena, Director.