MBMC Distributes 116 PPE Kits Under ‘NAMASTE’ Scheme to Safeguard Sanitation Workers.
In a significant move aimed at ensuring the safety and dignity of sanitation workers, the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) distributed 116 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits under the central government’s ‘NAMASTE’ scheme on June 19, 2025. The event took place at the MBMC headquarters under the direction of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Radhabinod A. Sharma (IAS), and in the presence of City Engineer Deepak Khambit.
Launched jointly by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs in 2022, the NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) initiative is being implemented through the National Safai Karamchari Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
Key Objectives of the NAMASTE Scheme:
- Eliminate hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks
- Promote the use of mechanised sanitation equipment
- Provide sanitation workers with protective gear, healthcare, skill development, and social security
In the first phase of the scheme, MBMC successfully documented the personal, health, and employment-related data of Sewer/Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and registered it in the national MIS database. As part of the next phase, MBMC received 116 PPE kits from NSKFDC, which are now being distributed to sanitation workers.
These PPE kits will significantly improve on-ground safety and are a concrete step towards protecting the rights and health of sanitation workers. In line with the scheme’s vision, MBMC has also initiated the registration process for the Ayushman Bharat Health Card, enabling cashless healthcare services. So far, eight workers and their families have been successfully registered.
Other Key Initiatives by MBMC for Sanitation Workers:
- Regular health check-up camps for sanitation workers
- Awareness sessions on safe work practices
- Workshops providing guidance on precautions to be taken during sanitation tasks
MBMC has also introduced practical training in mechanised sanitation, which is expected to reduce manual handling over time and improve the health and efficiency of the workers. Commissioner Sharma expressed confidence that such steps would ensure both dignity and improved productivity among sanitation staff.
The PPE kit distribution event also witnessed the participation of Executive Engineer Sharad Nanegavkar (Water Supply Department), other departmental officers, staff, and a large number of sanitation workers.