Govt formulates NAMASTE scheme for cleaning of sewers, septic tank

Tags: National Government Schemes

Government has formulated a National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem- NAMASTE  scheme for cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.

What is the NAMASTE Scheme?

• The scheme is a joint venture of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

• The Ministry has prepared a list of essential safety machinery and main equipment to be used by Safai Mitras.

• This step has been taken by the government to end the practice of manual scavenging in India.

• Manual scavenging is the practice of removing human feces by hand from a sewer or septic tank.

Aims of the scheme

• Achieving zero mortality in sanitation works in India.

• Preventing any sanitation worker from coming in direct contact with human faecal matter

• Ensuring all sewer and septic tank sanitation workers have access to alternative livelihoods