• On the occasion of NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem) Day, observed on 16th July, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated a dedicated helpline number (14473) for waste pickers. 
• The event also saw the distribution of PPE kits and Ayushman Bharat health cards to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and waste pickers, aiming to improve their safety, dignity, and access to healthcare. 
• NAMASTE is a human-centric, rights-based initiative aimed at eliminating hazardous manual scavenging of sewers and septic tanks, launched in 2023 as a Central Sector Scheme for a period of 3 years (2023–24 to 2025–26). 
• The scheme aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality).
• Jointly launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and being implemented by the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).