National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem( NAMASTE) Scheme
National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem( NAMASTE) Scheme
The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) is a Government of India initiative focused on improving the safety, dignity and livelihoods of sanitation workers and waste pickers. Since 2025, CFSD has been working with the State and Central Governments to implement the waste-picker component of the scheme across Urban Local Bodies in Maharashtra.
Recognising Waste Pickers:
A key focus of CFSD’s work is to give waste pickers formal recognition and identity for the essential work they contribute to our cities. CFSD has supported the profiling of waste pickers and facilitated access to NAMASTE identity cards, social security benefits and occupational safety equipment.
CFSD initially worked across 9 Urban Local Bodies, with 5 additional ULBs subsequently assigned to the organisation. With over six years of experience working closely with waste-picker communities, CFSD has been able to build trust and reach workers who are often excluded from formal systems.
Safety, Social Security and Livelihoods:
Through the programme, CFSD supports waste pickers in accessing healthcare and social security benefits, as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, protective aprons and safety boots.
CFSD also supports the functioning of RRR (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Centres, which create livelihood opportunities while strengthening the collection, segregation and recycling of materials such as plastic, metal, glass and cardboard.
A major part of CFSD’s work is helping workers overcome documentation barriers. Many waste pickers are daily wage workers or migrants and may not have bank accounts or the required documentation. CFSD takes these processes directly to the communities, enabling workers to access government benefits without losing a day’s income.
Our Impact:
For CFSD, NAMASTE is not only about providing documents or benefits. It is about ensuring that the people who keep our cities clean are themselves recognised, protected and treated with dignity.
Through this work, CFSD continues to advocate for a more inclusive and dignified waste management system where waste workers are recognised as an essential part of our cities.
