NATIONAL SURVEY CONDUCTED UNDER NAMASTE SCHEME

**Executive Summary** This document outlines the actions taken under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, launched in 2023-24, to ensure the safety and dignity of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and to eradicate hazardous manual cleaning. The initiative includes a nationwide survey, safety provisions, financial assistance, and training programs. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) 2.0 on 1st October 2021, also includes Used Water management (UWM) to support this goal. **Key Points / Main Content** * **NAMASTE Scheme:** * Aims to ensure the safety and dignity of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs). * Objectives: Zero fatality in sanitation work, no direct contact of workers with human faecal matter. * Subsumes the ‘Self-Employment Scheme for the Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS)'. * **Survey and Compensation:** * A nationwide survey covering 4800+ Urban Local Bodies has been conducted to identify Sewer and Septic Tank workers (SSWs). * 471 sanitation worker deaths reported since 2019 (up to 31.10.2025). * Compensation has been paid to the families of 397 deceased workers. * **Steps Taken Under NAMASTE:** * Provision of safety devices to Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs). * Upfront capital subsidy to sanitation workers and Private Sanitation Service Operators (PSSOs) for procuring sanitation related machine/equipment. * Occupational safety training to sewer and septic tank workers. * Workshops on prevention of hazardous cleaning of sewer and septic tanks. * **Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) 2.0:** * Launched on 1st October 2021 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). * Includes Used Water management (UWM) with the objective of eradicating hazardous entry into sewers and septic tanks. * **Advisory for Safe Cleaning:** * Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued advisories for safe cleaning, including: * Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for cleaning of Sewer or Septic tank. * Advisory for technical and managerial interventions for ensuring safety during sewer and septic tank cleaning through Emergency Response Sanitation Unit (ERSU). * Ready Reckoner for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for ensuring safety of sanitation workers. * Organising SafaimitraSurakshaShivirs nationwide through ULBs to provide health check-ups and linkages to social welfare schemes. * Issued protocol for SafaiMitraSurakshitShehar. * **Rehabilitation Assistance Provided Under NAMASTE:** * Onetime Cash Assistance: 58098 beneficiaries (Full saturation) * Skill Development Training: 27928 beneficiaries * Capital Subsidy for self-employment project: 2652 beneficiaries * **Legislation:** * "Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013” prohibits hazardous cleaning of a Sewer or a Septic Tank. * There is no proposal at present to amend the "Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013)". **Impact Analysis** **Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs)** * **Impact:** Enhanced safety, improved dignity, and empowerment through training, subsidies, and reduced risk of fatalities. * **Action Required:** Participate in training programs and utilize subsidies for mechanized equipment. **Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)** * **Impact:** Responsible for implementing the NAMASTE scheme and ensuring compliance with safety guidelines. * **Action Required:** Implement the SOPs, organize health check-ups, and ensure safety measures are in place for sanitation workers. **Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment & Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)** * **Impact:** Accountable for the success of the NAMASTE scheme and achieving its objectives. * **Action Required:** Monitor implementation, provide resources, and ensure effective coordination between stakeholders.

Key Entities Referenced