Pune has become the first city in India to implement the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, aiming to uplift waste pickers socially and economically.
Launched on March 26, 2025, the scheme will offer waste pickers formal recognition, access to social security benefits, and safer working conditions. Traditionally facing unsafe environments and a lack of social security, waste pickers have often been overlooked despite their crucial role in urban sanitation. The NAMASTE initiative seeks to address this by integrating waste pickers into the formal solid waste management system.The scheme is a joint effort by several ministries, including Social Justice, Housing and Urban Affairs, and Panchayati Raj, with support from technical organisations like UMC and UNDP. Through this initiative, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a registration drive for waste pickers, granting them access to health insurance and pensions. This historic move sets a precedent for other cities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable urban environment.
“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 Additional Commissioner Pune Municipal Corporation.”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.
