Why in News?
- On World Environment Day 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) launched the Waste Picker Enumeration App under the NAMASTE Scheme in New Delhi.
- Aimed at ensuring dignity, inclusion, and safety for India’s informal waste workforce.
Major Announcements & Features
Waste Picker Enumeration App
- Digital profiling of 2.5 lakh waste pickers across India
- Enables:
- Formal occupational ID cards
- Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) health insurance
- PPE kits, skill training & capital subsidies
- Integration into urban waste management systems
About the NAMASTE Scheme
Full Form: National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem
Launch Year: July 2023
Type: Central Sector Scheme
Purpose:
- Eliminate manual scavenging and hazardous sanitation work
- Promote mechanized, safe, and skilled sanitation services
- Extend coverage to sewer workers, septic tank cleaners, and now waste pickers
Expanded NAMASTE Scheme Scope
- Earlier focus: Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs)
- Expanded in June 2024 to include Waste Pickers
- Implemented jointly by MoSJE & MoHUA
- Executing agency: NSKFDC (National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation)
Objectives of Expanded NAMASTE Scheme
- Recognize Waste Pickers as critical agents of India’s circular economy
- Ensure:
- Occupational safety & health
- Social protection & entitlements
- Livelihood security
- Collective empowerment through management of 750 Dry Waste Collection Centers (DWCCs)
Significance
- Promotes environmental justice, inclusive urban governance & formalization of informal workers
- Supports Mission LiFE, Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 1 (No Poverty)
- SDG 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing)
- SDG 8 (Decent Work)
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities)
