The Government of India has launched a transformative new initiative — the NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) Scheme — which now formally includes waste pickers as part of its national sanitation and waste management strategy.
A Collaborative Effort Across Ministries
NAMASTE is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE), Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DoDWS). It is implemented by the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
From the financial year 2024-25, waste pickers have been included in the scheme — a significant policy shift that aims to recognize their contribution to waste collection, recovery, and recycling, and to integrate them into formal solid waste management systems. The scheme also connects them to social security programs, including:
- Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY (health insurance),
- Pre-Matric Scholarships for their children,
- Registration on the e-Shram Portal for informal workers.
Background: Years of Advocacy and Collaboration
Since 2016, members of the Alliance of Indian Waste Pickers (AIW) and its affiliates have worked closely with NSKFDC to include waste pickers in ministry programs. Their advocacy led to the expansion of the definition of “Safai Karamchari” to include waste pickers, allowing them access to loans and scholarships. However, one key requirement remained: waste pickers had to obtain identity cards from Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), as mandated by the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Despite efforts, implementation faced several roadblocks:
- Most ULBs failed to issue ID cards due to budget constraints or reluctance.
- Many administrators showed little interest in supporting the informal waste sector.
- While training sessions were conducted by the Green Skills Council, follow-up and long-term support were often lacking.
- Some organizations that did manage to secure ID cards were able to benefit from the available support, such as training and CSR-funded programs through NSKFDC.
These challenges highlighted the need for a more systematic and inclusive approach — and informed the design of the new, restructured NAMASTE Scheme.
A Turning Point: Nationwide Profiling and Digital Registration
The updated NAMASTE Scheme marks a milestone for the integration of waste pickers into India’s formal waste management framework. For the first time, the Union Government is conducting a nationwide profiling of waste pickers, especially expanding its reach to Tier-II and Tier-III cities, beyond the traditionally covered metropolitan areas.
Key features of the scheme include:
- A mobile application to digitally register waste pickers.
- Distribution of occupation-based ID cards.
- Systematic linkages to social security schemes.
- Promotion of safer working conditions.
Pune Becomes First City to Roll Out NAMASTE
On March 26, 2025, Pune made history by becoming the first Indian city to officially implement the NAMASTE Scheme. The launch event took place at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Hall and was attended by:
- Prithviraj BP, Additional Commissioner,
- Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management,
- Prasad Jagtap and Mukund Barve, Executive Engineers from the SWM department.
“We are proud that the central government’s NAMASTE scheme has been launched first in Pune, recognising the 20-year partnership between us. We hope that other cities will be inspired by this initiative,” said Prithviraj BP.
“For 30 years, waste pickers in Pune have fought for recognition and access to government schemes. Now, through the NAMASTE scheme, our official registration as workers is finally being acknowledged at the national level,” said Sarika Kshirsagar, a representative from SWaCH.
As of the launch date, over 120 waste pickers have been registered, with plans to complete the registration of all 8,000 waste pickers in Pune by the end of May 2025.
What’s Next? Scaling Up Across India
Through the Alliance of Indian Waste Pickers (AIW) and its member organizations, over 105,000 waste pickers are currently being supported. The NAMASTE Scheme now offers an opportunity to extend assistance to even more vulnerable workers across the country. This initiative not only acknowledges the decades of labor and organizing efforts by waste pickers but also aims to elevate their dignity, visibility, and access to rights.
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