Under the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme of the Government of India, a programme was successfully organized on 26 February 2026 at Gandhi Prekshagrih, Gandhi Stadium, Near Jeevan Rekha, Nakhasa, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh). The programme was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri B. L. Verma, Hon’ble Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India.

Major Highlights of the Programme were:

• Distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and waste pickers.
• Distribution of Ayushman Cards to SSWs and waste pickers for health insurance coverage.

● Distribution of sewing machines to beneficiaries who completed skill development training to promote sustainable livelihoods.

During the programme, the Hon’ble Ministers emphasized the importance of dignity, safety, and social security of sanitation workers. They shared that under the NAMASTE Scheme, 89,248 sewer and septic tank workers have been verified so far, 87,037 workers have been provided with PPE kits, 74,647 workers have been covered under the Ayushman health insurance scheme. Additionally, 1,87,120 waste pickers have been profiled across the country.

In Pilibhit, a total of 92 SSWs and 452 waste pickers have been profiled. During the event PPE Kits were distributed to 452 beneficiaries, 30 beneficiaries were provided Ayushman Cards, 15 beneficiaries who underwent skill development training were distributed sewing machines.

The programme reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the principle of “priority to the deprived”, ensuring that historically marginalized and overlooked communities receive the support they deserve. The initiative also reflects the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which envisions inclusive growth where every citizen has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from India’s development journey.

The programme was also graced by Shri Gulab Singh, Chairperson, District Panchayat; Dr. Aastha Agrawal, Chairperson, Municipal Council; Shri Swami Prakatanand, Hon’ble MLA; Shri Baburam Paswan, Hon’ble MLA; Shri Vivek Kumar Verma, Hon’ble MLA; Dr. Sudhir Gupta, MLC; Shri Sanjeev P. Singh, BJP District President; Smt. Yogita Swaroop, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India; District Administration officials; and Shri Prabhat Kumar Singh, Managing Director, National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation.

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S.M/D.G

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