NAMASTE Cards Distributed to Waste Pickers in Najafgarh Zone

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale inaugurated a programme in New Delhi for the distribution of NAMASTE Cards to waste-picking workers in the Najafgarh Zone of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The initiative focuses on strengthening the social security, occupational safety and welfare of sanitation and waste management workers.

During the programme, beneficiaries were also provided Ayushman Cards, enabling eligible workers and their families to access healthcare benefits under the government’s health protection framework. The distribution of both cards reflects an integrated approach towards extending welfare services and social protection to workers engaged in sanitation-related activities.

The NAMASTE initiative seeks to promote the formal recognition, safety and dignity of sanitation workers and waste pickers while facilitating their access to welfare-oriented government schemes. Providing identity and welfare-linked cards can help beneficiaries connect with institutional support and public services more effectively.

The programme in the Najafgarh Zone highlights the importance of coordinated implementation between central and local authorities in delivering welfare benefits at the grassroots level. Access to healthcare coverage through Ayushman Cards further strengthens the social protection framework for economically vulnerable sections.

The initiative underscores the government’s focus on inclusive governance, worker welfare, occupational safety and last-mile delivery of public services. Such interventions can contribute to improving the socio-economic security and dignity of waste management workers while supporting safer and more organised urban sanitation systems.