In News:

On World Environment Day 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) launched the Waste Picker Enumeration App under the NAMASTE Scheme, reaffirming the government’s commitment to environmental justice and the dignity of sanitation workers.

What is the NAMASTE Scheme?

• Full Form: National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem
• Type: Central Sector Scheme (CSS)
• Launched: July 2023
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE)
• Partner Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
• Implementing Agency: National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
• Objective: To formalize and rehabilitate sanitation workers and integrate them into formal systems through skilling, social security, and mechanization of hazardous cleaning work.
• Inclusion of Waste Pickers (From June 2024): The NAMASTE Scheme expanded its scope in June 2024 to include Waste Pickers, recognizing their critical role in the circular economy and solid waste management.

Waste Picker Enumeration App – Key Highlights

• Purpose: Digital platform for profiling 2.5 lakh waste pickers across India.
• Recognition: Provides occupational photo ID cards and formal identity to waste pickers.
• Social Security:
  • Health coverage under Ayushman Bharat–PM-JAY
  • Distribution of PPE kits and seasonal safety gear
• Livelihood & Skilling:
  • Skill development programs
  • Capital subsidies for waste collection vehicles
• Empowerment:
  • Strengthening of Waste Picker Collectives
  • Management of 750 Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCCs) in urban areas