A significant event took place on October 27, 2026, where the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment distributed Personal Protective Equipment kits and Ayushman Cards to eligible Safai Mitras in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh.
The programme, organized at Peeli Kothi Civil Lines area, was part of the ongoing National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme aimed at strengthening the safety, health, and social security of Safai Mitras. Hon’ble Minister of State, Shri B. L. Verma, distributed the kits and cards among beneficiaries.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Shri Anunaya Jha, District Magistrate, Moradabad; Shri Ram Gopal Anjan, Hon’ble Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council (MLC); Dr. Shaifali Singh Chauhan, District Panchayat Chairperson; the Municipal Commissioner, Moradabad; and the Managing Director of the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Verma highlighted the NAMASTE Scheme and its aim to ensure the dignity and safety of sanitation workers while empowering them socio-economically. He informed that a total of 90,194 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) have been verified so far, while 88,222 SSWs have been provided with PPE kits and 80,180 workers have been covered under health insurance through Ayushman Cards.
In Moradabad specifically, a total of 307 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers have been profiled and provided with PPE kits, while 1,190 waste pickers have been validated through the profiling process. During the programme, PPE kits and Ayushman Cards were symbolically provided to 20 Safai Mitras each on stage, followed by the distribution of PPE kits to an additional 813 Safai Mitras.
Shri Verma strongly urged beneficiaries to use the prescribed safety equipment regularly while performing their duties and utilise healthcare protection facilities through their Ayushman Cards. The District Magistrate of Moradabad and the Managing Director of the NSKFDC also shared their views, highlighting the invaluable contribution of sanitation workers and emphasising the need for coordinated efforts to ensure their safety, health, dignity, and overall welfare.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
