Centre to mark 3rd NAMASTE Day on July 14 with focus on sanitation workers’ safety, mechanised cleaning

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will observe the third edition of NAMASTE Day on July 14, marking three years of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme with events across the country focused on the safety, dignity and welfare of sanitation workers.

The main event will be held at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata alongside the Divya Kala Mela, while Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the country will organise programmes highlighting occupational safety, mechanised sanitation and social welfare initiatives for sanitation workers.

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According to the ministry, the observance is dedicated to recognising the contributions of sewer and septic tank workers, waste pickers and former manual scavengers, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating hazardous sanitation practices through mechanisation, protective equipment, skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar and Minister of State Ramdas Athawale are expected to attend the Kolkata event. Senior representatives from the Centre and the West Bengal government, Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), district officials, and representatives of the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) are also expected to participate.

As part of the observance, ULBs are scheduled to conduct occupational safety training sessions, health check-up camps, enrolment drives for government welfare schemes, demonstrations of mechanised sanitation equipment and protective gear, and felicitation programmes for sanitation workers.

The ministry said NAMASTE Day also aims to raise public awareness about the rights and welfare of sanitation workers and promote greater respect for their contribution to public health and environmental sanitation.

The NAMASTE scheme was launched in 2023–24 by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment to ensure the dignity, safety and social security of sanitation workers while strengthening their economic and social empowerment.

The scheme seeks to eliminate direct human contact with faecal matter, achieve zero fatalities in sanitation work, ensure that cleaning operations are carried out using mechanised equipment and safety devices, train sanitation workers in safe practices, strengthen Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs), and promote self-employment and entrepreneurship through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).