Union Minister Shri Ramdas Athawale Inaugurates Distribution of NAMASTE Cards to Waste Pickers in MCD Najafgarh Zone; Ayushman Cards Also Distributed Among Beneficiaries at New Delhi Event
Union Minister Shri Ramdas Athawale inaugurated the distribution of NAMASTE Cards to waste pickers in MCD Najafgarh Zone at an event in New Delhi, with over 300 waste pickers participating. Ayushman Cards providing healthcare coverage were also distributed. The NAMASTE scheme aims to improve safety, dignity, and socio-economic status of sanitation workers including waste pickers, sewer workers, and septic tank workers.
Why It Matters
Relevant for competitive exams testing knowledge of government welfare schemes, social justice initiatives, and sanitation worker policies under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
In Simple Words
The Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment launched NAMASTE Cards for waste pickers in Delhi's Najafgarh Zone. This scheme formally recognizes waste pickers and provides them with healthcare benefits through Ayushman Cards, along with safety measures and social security.
NAMASTÉ is a Central Sector Scheme focused on sanitation workers' welfare. It addresses occupational safety, skill development, and mechanisation of hazardous work to eliminate manual cleaning practices and improve the working conditions and dignity of waste pickers, sewer workers, and septic tank workers across India.
Key Points
- Event held at MCD Community Hall, Matiala, in National Capital
- Over 300 waste pickers from Najafgarh Zone participated
- NAMASTE Cards distributed to formally recognize waste pickers
- Ayushman Cards also distributed for healthcare coverage
- NAMASTE is a Central Sector Scheme of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- Scheme covers waste pickers, sewer workers, and septic tank workers
- Focus areas: occupational safety, formal recognition, healthcare access, skill development, and mechanisation
- Aim is to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning practices
Exam Angle
A. NAMASTE stands for National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem and is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.
Source: Press Information Bureau