Date: 2025-08-23Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
Under the NAMASTE 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: SJE Minister
**Summary:**
On August 23, 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE) held an event in Patna, Bihar, to promote the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme. The scheme aims to ensure the dignity, safety, and socio-economic empowerment of sanitation workers. As of the event date, 85,819 sewer and septic tank workers have been profiled under NAMASTE, 76,736 have been provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, and 60,586 have received Ayushman Cards. In Patna, 408 sewer and septic tank workers have been validated through profiling, with 25 sanitation workers and 25 waste pickers symbolically receiving PPE kits and 25 sanitation workers receiving Ayushman Cards at the event. Safety equipment was also distributed for Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs). The event included a "Rang Paridhan" fashion show to promote PPE awareness. Dignitaries present included Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, along with ministers from the Government of Bihar and officials from various departments and organizations, including the National Safai Karamchari Finance Development Corporation.
Key Entities Referenced
NAMASTE Scheme: National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem, a Government of India scheme aimed at ensuring dignity, safety, and socioeconomic empowerment of sanitation workers.
Ministry of Social Justice Empowerment: The Indian government ministry responsible for the NAMASTE scheme and social welfare initiatives.
Dr. Virendra Kumar: Hon'ble Union Minister, Ministry of Social Justice Empowerment, Government of India.
Patna, Bihar: The location where the NAMASTE Scheme program was organized. Capital city of Bihar.
Ayushman Cards: Cards provided to sanitation workers under the NAMASTE scheme, likely for healthcare access.
PPE Kits: Personal Protective Equipment kits provided to sanitation workers under the NAMASTE scheme to promote safety.
Sewer Septic Tank Workers: The target beneficiaries of the NAMASTE scheme.
Shri Madan Sahni: Hon'ble Minister, Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Under the NAMASTE 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:
SJE Minister
Posted On: 23 AUG 2025 7:46PM by PIB Delhi
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 ofwhich 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.*****
KV
(Release ID: 2160203)