- The NAMASTE scheme aims to eliminate manual scavenging and ensure safety, dignity, and formalization of sanitation workers (septic tank and sewer workers). - Success stories highlight the transition of workers from hazardous manual cleaning to mechanized operations using modern protective gear and specialized vehicles. - The scheme focuses on occupational safety, social security benefits, capacity building, and capital subsidies for procuring sanitation machinery. - It aligns with India's broader social justice and inclusive growth goals for vulnerable and marginalized communities. - **NAMASTE Scheme:** A joint initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to eliminate hazardous manual scavenging and promote safe, mechanized sanitation ecosystems. - **Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment:** A central ministry responsible for welfare, social justice, and empowerment of marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, senior citizens, and sanitation workers. **Introduction** This PIB release discusses the success of the NAMASTE (National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme in transforming the lives of sanitation workers by shifting them from hazardous manual scavenging to safe, mechanized cleaning, ensuring occupational safety, dignity, and livelihood support. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The NAMASTE scheme aims to eliminate manual scavenging and ensure safety, dignity, and formalization of sanitation workers (septic tank and sewer workers). - Success stories highlight the transition of workers from hazardous manual cleaning to mechanized operations using modern protective gear and specialized vehicles. - The scheme focuses on occupational safety, social security benefits, capacity building, and capital subsidies for procuring sanitation machinery. - It aligns with India's broader social justice and inclusive growth goals for vulnerable and marginalized communities. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **NAMASTE Scheme:** A joint initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to eliminate hazardous manual scavenging and promote safe, mechanized sanitation ecosystems. - **Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment:** A central ministry responsible for welfare, social justice, and empowerment of marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, senior citizens, and sanitation workers.