Haryana to implement ‘Namaste’ scheme to rehabilitate sanitation workers

While presiding over a meeting to review the implementation of the ‘Namaste’ scheme, Kaushal said that significant strides have been made in eradicating manual scavenging and rehabilitation of identified manual scavengers. Now, efforts are being made to fully mechanise the cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, while also prioritising the welfare of sanitation workers involved in these tasks, he said.

Haryana chief secretary Sanjeev Kaushal on Thursday said that the state government is implementing the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem, also known as ‘Namaste’, with an aim at rehabilitating sanitation workers.

Haryana chief secretary Sanjeev Kaushal on Thursday said that the state government is implementing the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem, also known as ‘Namaste’, with an aim at rehabilitating sanitation workers. (HT File Photo)

While presiding over a meeting to review the implementation of the ‘Namaste’ scheme, Kaushal said that significant strides have been made in eradicating manual scavenging and rehabilitation of identified manual scavengers. Now, efforts are being made to fully mechanise the cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, while also prioritising the welfare of sanitation workers involved in these tasks, he said.

The chief secretary said that this scheme’s primary objective is to guarantee the safety and dignity of sanitation workers across the state, ensuring them a sustainable livelihood. Additionally, the scheme aims at bolstering their capabilities, providing improved access to safe equipment and machinery, thereby enhancing occupational safety. This initiative is set to facilitate easier access to self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities while narrowing the gap in sanitation work.