Why in News?

A NAMASTE scheme event was held in Chhatarpur to promote the dignity and empowerment of sanitation workers, with Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar honouring them as Cleanliness Ambassadors.

About NAMASTE Scheme

• NAMASTE stands for National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem. It aims to ensure the safety, dignity, and livelihood of sanitation workers in urban India.
• It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• The scheme is being implemented by the National Safai Karamchari Financial Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
• The scheme covers 500 cities, in line with the AMRUT mission, and will run from 2022 to 2026.