Odisha Boosts Sanitation Workers’ Dignity with NAMASTE & GARIMA Initiatives
Odisha has taken a pioneering step in transforming urban sanitation by rolling out two landmark programs—NAMASTE and GARIMA—designed to ensure dignity, safety, and sustainable livelihoods for sanitation workers and waste pickers.
The NAMASTE program, launched nationally in July 2023, focuses on mechanising sewer and septic tank cleaning.
It provides training, PPE kits, health coverage under PMJAY, and capital subsidies for sanitation vehicles.
By eliminating hazardous manual practices, it safeguards workers while modernising sanitation systems.
Complementing this, Odisha’s GARIMA initiative recognises sanitation workers as essential contributors to public health.
It offers social security, structured livelihood support, and rehabilitation opportunities for waste pickers.
Measures include worker profiling, mandatory safety training, awareness campaigns, and support for self‑employment ventures through Self‑Help Groups (SHGs).
Together, these initiatives merge elements of the earlier SRMS scheme into a stronger framework, setting Odisha apart as a national leader in mechanised sanitation.
The state’s approach not only enhances urban cleanliness but also prioritises human dignity and empowerment, creating a model for inclusive urban growth.
