Over 85,000 Sanitation Workers Profiled Under NAMASTE Scheme: Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar Highlights Progress at Patna Event.
Patna:
In a significant step toward ensuring dignity, safety, and socio-economic empowerment of sanitation workers, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, shared key progress under the Government of India’s flagship NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme at a high-profile event held at Shri Krishna Memorial Hall, Gandhi Maidan Road, Patna.
The Union Minister announced that 85,819 sewer and septic tank workers have been profiled across the country so far under the scheme. Of these, 76,736 workers have been provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kits, and 60,586 have received Ayushman Health Cards, enabling access to free health insurance under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Patna Takes the Lead in Welfare Efforts
Highlighting local progress, Dr. Virendra Kumar noted that in Patna alone, 408 sewer and septic tank workers have been validated through profiling. At the event, 25 Sanitation Workers (SSWs) and 25 Waste Pickers were symbolically handed over PPE kits, while 25 sanitation workers received Ayushman Cards, reinforcing the government’s grassroots approach to delivering benefits directly to the community.
In addition, safety equipment was distributed to Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) to further strengthen occupational safety for frontline sanitation workers.
Promoting Awareness Through Innovation
A unique highlight of the event was the ‘Rang Paridhan’ fashion show, aimed at promoting awareness about the utility and importance of PPE kits among sanitation workers. The creative approach to safety advocacy was widely appreciated by attendees and participants alike.
A Testament to “Priority to the Deprived”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Virendra Kumar reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the principle of “Priority to the Deprived”, emphasizing that historically marginalized and underserved communities are being brought to the forefront of development. “We envision a Developed India, where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and live with dignity,” he added.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event witnessed the presence of several eminent dignitaries, including:
- Madan Sahni, Hon’ble Minister, Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar
- Jivesh Kumar, Hon’ble Minister, Urban Development & Housing Department, Government of Bihar
- Janak Ram, Hon’ble Minister, SC/ST Welfare Department, Government of Bihar
- Sita Sahu, Mayor, Patna Municipal Corporation
- Yogita Swaroop, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- Animesh Kumar Parashar, Municipal Commissioner, Patna
- Vijay Prakash Meena, Additional Secretary, Urban Development & Housing Department, Government of Bihar
- Prabhat Kumar Singh, MD, National Safai Karamchari Finance & Development Corporation
- Yogesh Kumar, Director, Directorate of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Bihar
- Shyam Bihari Meena, Director
The NAMASTE scheme continues to be a beacon of inclusive development and empowerment, marking a shift toward a more humane and mechanized approach to sanitation in India.
