Under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme of Union Ministry of Social Justice And Empowerment, a major programme for the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and Ayushman Cards, was organised at Peeli Kothi Civil Lines area, in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, today.
The event was part of the ongoing flagship initiative aimed at strengthening the safety, health, and social security of Safai Mitras.
Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri B. L. Verma, distributed the kits and cards among eligible beneficiaries.
The event was attended by Shri Anunaya Jha, District Magistrate, Moradabad; Shri Ram Gopal Anjan, Hon’ble Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council (MLC); Dr. Shaifali Singh Chauhan, District Panchayat Chairperson; the Municipal Commissioner, Moradabad; the Managing Director of the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC); officials from the concerned departments; and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Verma highlighted the NAMASTE Scheme, which aims to ensure the dignity and safety of sanitation workers and empower them socially and economically.
The Minister informed the a total of 90,194 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) have been verified so far, whileas 88,222 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers have been provided with PPE kits and 80,180 workers have been covered under health insurance through Ayushman Cards. In addition, 3,36,492 waste pickers have been profiled across the country, he further said.
Focusing on local implementation, the Minister noted that in Moradabad, a total of 307 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers have been profiled and provided with PPE kits, while 1,190 waste pickers have been validated through the profiling process.
During the programme, PPE kits and Ayushman Cards were symbolically provided to 20 Safai Mitras each on stage, followed by the distribution of PPE kits to an additional 813 Safai Mitras.
Shri Verma strongly urged beneficiaries to use the prescribed safety equipment regularly while performing their duties, follow safe working practices, and utilise healthcare protection facilities through their Ayushman Cards.
On the occasion, the District Magistrate of Moradabad and the Managing Director of the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation also shared their views, highlighting the invaluable contribution of sanitation workers and emphasising the need for coordinated efforts to ensure their safety, health, dignity, and overall welfare.
The programme reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the principle of "Priority to the Underprivileged," ensuring that individuals who have historically been disadvantaged or overlooked receive the support they deserve.
This commitment to prioritising marginalised communities reflects the Government’s broader vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047," wherein every individual will have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from India’s development journey.