New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Thursday inaugurated the distribution of NAMASTE Cards to waste pickers of the MCD’s Najafgarh Zone at a programme held at the MCD Community Hall in Matiala.
The initiative marks a step towards the formal recognition and empowerment of waste pickers under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, which seeks to improve the safety, dignity and socio-economic well-being of sanitation workers.
Athawale also distributed Ayushman Cards to waste pickers attending the programme, providing them access to healthcare benefits under the government’s health coverage initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Athawale praised the contribution of waste pickers to maintaining cleanliness in cities and described their work as vital to the country’s sanitation and public health efforts.
He assured the workers of continued government support and cooperation to improve their working conditions and ensure better access to welfare and social security schemes.
