National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) - Emergency Response Sanitation Unit (ERSU) Formation and Functionalisation is a Central Sector Scheme launched in July 2023 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in convergence with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It provides professional training, safety equipment, and institutional support to Urban Local Bodies to end hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, making sure workers stay safe and emergency sanitation response runs smoothly.
The scheme is still active in 2026. On 16 July 2026 the Centre approved fresh safety-equipment support under NAMASTE, extending mechanised sanitation and protective gear for sewer and septic tank workers. As per the latest figures, around 90,942 sewer and septic tank workers have been profiled and more than 87,000 PPE kits have been given out, with 753 safety device kits sent to Emergency Response Sanitation Units.
National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) - ERSU Formation and Functionalisation
Emergency Response Sanitation Unit (ERSU) Formation and Functionalisation is a key part of the NAMASTE scheme. It works to create a professional, well-trained, and properly equipped workforce for the maintenance of sewers and septic tanks. The main aim is to stop deaths caused by workers entering tanks without proper safety measures.
This component sets up Emergency Response Sanitation Units in all Municipal Corporations and district headquarters. These units serve a 75-kilometer radius, so smaller towns nearby also get quick support. Each unit gets trained personnel, essential safety gear, and a citizen helpline at 14420 to manage emergency sanitation services.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) - ERSU Formation and Functionalisation |
| Level | Central |
| Launched By | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs |
| Launch Year | July 2023 |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Benefit Type | In Kind (Reimbursement) |
| Equipment Reimbursement | Up to ₹2,00,000 per ERSU |
| Capital Subsidy | Up to ₹5.00 lakh for vehicles and equipment |
| Helpline | 14420 |
Benefits
This scheme builds a strong institutional setup to keep sanitation work safe and efficient.
Institutional Setup
An Emergency Response Sanitation Unit is set up in all Municipal Corporations and district headquarters. Each unit covers a 75-kilometer radius, making sure nearby smaller towns get help without delay.
Safety Equipment
Government provides safety supplies including air purifiers, breathing apparatus, oxygen kits, full-body wader suits, safety belts, and helmets. Financial reimbursement of up to ₹2,00,000 per unit is available for these devices. As of April 2026, 753 safety device kits had been dispatched to Emergency Response Sanitation Units.
Training and Operational Support
Staff go through competency-based training that matches global standards. The citizen helpline 14420 is also managed to coordinate emergency requests quickly.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Equipment Reimbursement | Up to ₹2,00,000 after appointing an authority |
| Helpline Activation | Required for fund release |
| Worker Profiling | Required for all sanitary staff |
| Procurement | Must follow GeM portal rules |
Eligibility
Urban Local Bodies and sanitation authorities must meet several conditions to join this scheme.
Administrative Requirements
A Municipal Corporation, Sewer Board, or district administrative body can apply. A District Magistrate or Municipal Commissioner must be officially named as the Responsible Sanitation Authority (RSA).
Worker Requirements
Sanitation workers must be above 18 years old. All workers involved in sewer or septic tank cleaning must complete mandatory profiling and occupational safety training.
Operational Compliance
The body should show it can cover a 75-kilometer radius. Most importantly, it must strictly follow the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
Application Process
Follow these steps to join the scheme through the official NAMASTE portal.
STEP 1 - Visit the official NAMASTE portal at namastescheme.com and create an account for the organization.
STEP 2 - Submit institutional details, digital signatures, and official seals for verification.
STEP 3 - Appoint a District Magistrate or Municipal Commissioner as the Responsible Sanitation Authority (RSA) and upload the official order.
STEP 4 - Upload organizational documents, including audit reports and staffing details, under the guidance of the RSA.
STEP 5 - Submit the application. The system gives a reference number, and authorities review it within 3 to 5 working days.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for the application and for reimbursement claims.
- Official Board Resolution approving the unit establishment.
- Notification copy naming the Responsible Sanitation Authority.
- Proof of helpline 14420 activation.
- Comprehensive database of profiled sewer and septic tank workers.
- Training certificates for all identified sanitation personnel.
- Original purchase invoices for safety equipment, needed for reimbursement.
- Utilisation certificate and compliance reports.
References
Official NAMASTE Scheme Details and Guidelines
FAQ's
What is the primary purpose of this scheme?
The scheme replaces manual entry into sewers with mechanized cleaning and provides professional training and safety gear to workers.
Who manages the Emergency Response Sanitation Units?
The District Magistrate is usually named as the Responsible Sanitation Authority to oversee all operations at the district level.
What is the helpline number for emergency services?
Citizens can call 14420 for emergency cleaning services and to report issues.
How much financial help is given for safety devices?
Up to ₹2,00,000 per unit is available as reimbursement for buying required safety devices.
Who is eligible to work in these units?
Only skilled and certified Sewer Entry Professionals who have completed mandatory training are allowed to handle emergency manual cleaning in exceptional cases.
