NATIONAL ACTION FOR MECHANISED SANITATION ECOSYSTEM (NAMASTE)

**Executive Summary** This document, released on February 4, 2026, by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides an update on the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme. It reports on the validation of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and their coverage under various health schemes, with data current as of December 31, 2025. Annexure provides a state-wise breakdown of validated workers. **Key Points / Main Content** * **NAMASTE Scheme:** * Implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. * Aims to ensure safety, dignity, and social security for Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs). * Focuses on mechanization of sanitation work and elimination of hazardous manual cleaning. * **Worker Validation:** * A total of 89,114 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers have been validated under the NAMASTE scheme as of December 31, 2025. * State-wise validation details are provided in the Annexure. * **Health Coverage:** * 73,864 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (82.88% of validated workers) are covered under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), State Health Schemes, and NAMASTE. * **Income and Efficiency:** * Details regarding the average increase in income of sanitation workers are not maintained. * No measurable indicators have been identified to assess enhanced efficiency or productivity attributable to mechanization under the scheme. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder:** Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment * **Impact:** Responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the NAMASTE scheme. * **Action Required:** Continue to implement NAMASTE, monitor the validation of SSWs, and explore measurable indicators. **Stakeholder:** Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) * **Impact:** Affected by the provisions of the NAMASTE scheme, including safety, dignity, social security, and health coverage. * **Action Required:** Participate in the NAMASTE scheme and utilize the benefits offered, including health coverage under AB-PMJAY. **Stakeholder:** State Governments * **Impact:** Responsible for providing data and participating in the implementation of the NAMASTE scheme. * **Action Required:** Provide state-wise details of validated workers and facilitate the implementation of the NAMASTE scheme.

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