In a significant move to ensure social and economic dignity for waste pickers, improve their quality of life and provide secure employment opportunities, the second phase of the ‘NAMASTE’ (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme was launched in Pune. Through this scheme, waste pickers will benefit from official registration and access to social security schemes. SWaCH, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and the Labour Panchayat have taken the initiative by starting the registration camp for waste pickers in Pune on March 26.
Waste pickers face numerous challenges such as a lack of recognition for their work, unsafe working conditions and the absence of social security benefits. The NAMASTE scheme is a crucial step in addressing these serious issues and mandates the inclusion of informal waste pickers in the mainstream solid waste management (SWM) system. This important milestone will officially acknowledge the invaluable yet often invisible contributions of waste pickers, empowering them to achieve safer, more dignified and sustainable livelihoods.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the National Safai Karamchari Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), are implementing this scheme. The Urban Management Centre (UMC) and UNDP are providing technical support for the initiative.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is the first urban local body in the country to implement the NAMASTE scheme. With the efforts of the municipal corporation, along with support from organisations like SWaCH and the Labour Panchayat, waste pickers will now be formally included in solid waste management and provided with dignified and safe employment opportunities. As part of the implementation of the scheme, a special event was organised on Tuesday, at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Hall, Art Gallery, Ghole Road, Pune.
The event was inaugurated under the guidance of Additional Commissioner Prithviraj BP and Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kadam from the Solid Waste Management Department. Executive Engineer Prasad Jagtap and Mukund Barve from the same department were also present. The event was hosted by Aditya Vyas from the Labour Panchayat.
"Pune Municipal Corporation has taken the lead in the country by involving waste pickers in solid waste management with the support of SWaCH. We are proud that the central government's NAMASTE scheme has been launched first in Pune, recognising the 20-year partnership between us. We hope that other cities will be inspired by this initiative. Through such initiatives as ‘NAMASTE,’ we aim to further strengthen our partnership with waste pickers," said Prithviraj BP.
"Over the past 30 years, waste pickers in Pune have fought for identity cards and the right to government schemes like other workers. Working with the PMC, we have gained recognition for our work, and now, through the NAMASTE scheme, our official registration as workers will be recognised by the central government. This is an important step to raise our self-esteem and to benefit from social security schemes," expressed Sarika Kshirsagar, a representative of waste pickers from SWaCH.
Through the ‘NAMASTE Waste Picker Portal’ and mobile application, more than 50 waste pickers have been registered. The registration process will continue regularly, and through this scheme, waste pickers will receive secure and dignified employment opportunities. Waste pickers are the true architects of the city's cleanliness, but until now, they have not received formal recognition. The NAMASTE scheme will provide them access to government benefits, health and social security, as well as alternative employment opportunities.
This initiative will enhance the city’s cleanliness and take an important step toward improving the quality of life for waste pickers.
