Waste Picker Enumeration App

On the occasion of World Environment Day, 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a nationwide 'Waste Picker Enumeration App' for profiling of waste pickers under the Namaste Scheme.

Key features of the app

• Nationwide profiling: Digital enumeration of 2.5 lakh waste pickers across the country will be done through this app.
• Formal identification: Occupational photo ID cards will be provided to waste pickers through the app.
• Linking to social security: Benefit of health insurance under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) to registered workers.
• Empowerment of organizations: Strengthening groups of waste pickers to manage 750 dry waste collection centers (DWCC).
• Integration with inclusive urban systems: Through the app, waste pickers will be integrated into the formal system of urban bodies so that they can get more rights and facilities.

About Namaste Yojana

• Full name: National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)
• Nature of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme
• Launch: July 2023
• Nodal Ministry: Jointly implemented by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
• Implementation Agency: National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
  • It is to be implemented by NSKFDC for three years from FY 2023 to 2026 with a budget allocation of Rs 349.73 crore.
• Financing Structure
  • Centre : State = 60 : 40 (for plain states)
  • For North-Eastern and Himalayan states and UTs = 90 : 10
  • 100% central grant in machinery purchase; shared responsibility in operation-maintenance
• Objective: Its main objective is to eliminate manual scavenging, ensure safety and dignity of sanitation workers and promote mechanized systems in the sanitation sector.
  • This scheme especially focuses on the welfare of workers who are engaged in hazardous work like sewer, septic tank and garbage collection.