Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the National Waste Picker Enumeration App as part of the NAMASTE initiative

Regarding the Waste Picker Enumeration Application:

What is it?

An online system to count, recognize, and assist waste collectors via social security and livelihood-focused initiatives within the NAMASTE Scheme.

Involved Ministry:

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)

In partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

Executed through the National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC)

Aim:

To acknowledge waste pickers as crucial workers in India’s solid waste management framework.

To grant them identity, safety, and integration into official urban frameworks.

Essential Characteristics:

Large-Scale Profiling: Aims to enumerate 250,000 waste pickers and issue occupational identity cards to provide formal recognition.

Health and Safety Coverage: Offers health insurance through Ayushman Bharat and supplies personal protective equipment and seasonal safety kits.

Skill and Livelihood Assistance: Provides training for skill development and financial support for waste collection vehicles to encourage sustainable livelihoods.

Enhancing Waste Management Systems: Facilitates the establishment of waste picker groups to handle 750 dry waste collection points throughout city regions.

Knowledge-Driven Empowerment: Publishes essential materials such as the Guide for Mainstreaming Waste Picker Collectives and the Charting Change report on socio-economic insights.

Regarding the NAMASTE Program:

What is this?

National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) is a Central Sector Scheme initiated to organize and support sanitation workers involved in risky cleaning and solid waste disposal.

Departments Participating:

Ministry of Empowerment and Social Justice (Nodal Ministry)

Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MoHUA) (Collaborating Partner)

Executing organization: National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation

Objective:

To guarantee dignity, safety, and livelihood for sewer workers, septic tank cleaners, and currently, waste pickers.

To eradicate manual scavenging and encourage mechanized, proficient sanitation services.