NAMASTE Scheme + GARIMA Scheme – Combined Wiki, Eligibility, How to Apply, Helpline 14420, Helpline 14473, Contact & More (2026 Updated – Extended Till 2031)

No single page on the internet consolidates NAMASTE + GARIMA + Waste Picker + Swachhata Sarthi component + Helpline 14420 + Helpline 14473 + NSKFDC contact + Rs 5 lakh capital subsidy in one place – until now.

This guide is built from PIB Press Releases, NSKFDC official guidelines, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) + MoHUA joint documents, Odisha H&UD GARIMA PDF, UNDP helpline story, and JagranJosh / Drishti IAS latest updates (Feb-July 2025-26). Updated with the brand-new extension proposal till 2030-31 (2031).

Quick Wiki – NAMASTE vs GARIMA at a Glance

Point	NAMASTE	GARIMA
Full Form	National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem	GARIMA – Ensuring Safety & Dignity of Core Sanitation Workers (Odia word means Dignity)
Type	Central Sector Scheme (100% Central funded)	State Scheme – Odisha (First comprehensive state scheme in India)
Launched	July 2023 (Formulated 2022-23)	11 September 2020 by CM Naveen Patnaik 1
Ministries	MoSJE + MoHUA jointly	Housing & Urban Development Dept, Govt of Odisha
Implementing Agency	NSKFDC (National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation) 2	114 ULBs of Odisha through H&UD Dept, Technical support by Urban Management Centre (UMC)
Original Duration	FY 2023-24 to 2025-26, Outlay Rs. 349.70 crore / Rs. 360 crore 3	Ongoing since 2020
Extended Duration	Proposed till 2030-31 with outlay Rs. 498.73 crore – to cover rural areas + drain cleaners + STP/FSTP workers 4	Now converged as NAMASTE-GARIMA Drive in Odisha (Feb 2026) 5
Target	Initially 1 lakh Sewer & Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) in 4800+ ULBs	20,000 Core Sanitation Workers + families (1 lakh population) 1
New Component 2024	Waste Pickers added as 3rd component from FY 2024-25 (SFC approved 20.06.2024) 6	Waste pickers also included under NAMASTE-GARIMA
Helpline	14420 – for SSWs / ERSU / citizen emergency	State helpline via ULB + uses 14420

What is NAMASTE Scheme? – Complete Details

Objective

As per PIB and MoSJE PDF:

To ensure safety and dignity of sanitation workers in India by creating an enabling ecosystem that recognizes sanitation workers as key contributors in operations and maintenance of sanitation infrastructure, thereby providing sustainable livelihood and enhancing occupational safety through capacity building and improved access to safety gear and machines. 2

Intended Outcomes (6 points):

Zero fatalities in sanitation work
All sanitation work performed by skilled workers
No sanitation worker comes in direct contact with human faecal matter
Sanitation workers collectivized into SHGs and empowered to run sanitation enterprises
All SSWs have access to alternative livelihoods
Strengthened supervisory and monitoring systems at national, state, ULB levels 2

Who is Covered?

Phase 1 (2023): Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) – those cleaning sewers, manholes, septic tanks, pumping stations, whether employed by ULB, Jal Boards, PSSOs or independent.
Phase 2 (June 2024): Waste Pickers, Waste Collectors, Sorters – informal workers at streets, door-to-door, transfer stations, dumpsites, landfill, MRF, recycling facilities, itinerant waste buyers, minimum 6 months engagement 6
Proposed Extension till 2031: Drain cleaners, workers in Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) and Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) 4

Key Components (7 + Waste Picker)

Profiling & ID Card: Digital enumeration through profiling camps, NAMASTE Mobile App, unique NAMASTE ID. 500 AMRUT cities first, now all 4800+ ULBs.
PPE Kits & Safety Devices: Gloves, bodysuits, masks, goggles, safety devices for Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs). Up to Rs.2,00,000 per ERSU for safety devices on reimbursement basis.
Occupational Safety Training & Skilling: By Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship + NSKFDC. Stipend Rs.3,000/month for SSWs, Rs.1,000 for waste pickers during training.
Health Insurance: Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. Premium for uncovered families borne under NAMASTE. As of July 2026, 76,845 SSWs + 1,04,729 waste pickers issued health cards 7.
Livelihood Support – Capital Subsidy (Most Searched):
- For SSWs / Sanipreneurs / SHGs under Swachhata Udyami Yojana (SUY):
  - Project cost up to Rs.5,00,000 – 50% capital subsidy
  - Rs.5,00,001 to Rs.15,00,000 – Rs.2.50 lakh + 25% of remaining cost (Max subsidy Rs.5 lakh per unit)
  - Group/SHG project max Rs.50 lakh – Subsidy up to Rs.18.75 lakh (Rs.3.75 lakh per member)
  - Interest: 5% p.a. (4% for women) up to Rs.1 lakh, 6% above Rs.1 lakh. Interest subvention over bank rate reimbursed.
  - Repayment: 5 years up to Rs.5L, 7 years above Rs.5L with 6 months moratorium.
- For Waste Pickers – DWCC Vehicle:
  - 750 Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCCs) to be supported
  - Same subsidy slab: up to Rs.5L – 50%, Rs.5-15L – Rs.2.5L + 25% (Max Rs.5L per DWCC)
  - Max 2 vehicles per DWCC 8
Formation of SHGs & Collectives: Linkage to DAY-NULM, allotment of DWCCs on long-term basis.
IEC Campaign: Citizen + worker centric awareness in local language.
MIS Portal & Mobile App: Real-time monitoring, NAMASTE ID generation.

Latest Progress (What Others Don’t Show)

As of Sep 2025 (PIB): 88,448 SSWs validated, 42,127 waste pickers validated with e-KYC, 83,901 PPE kits for SSWs, 555 safety device kits for ERSUs, Rs.23.06 Cr capital subsidy released 3
As of July 2026 (DD India): 89,915 SSWs + 2,81,117 waste pickers validated, 87,037 PPE kits for SSWs + 1,84,118 for waste pickers, 753 ERSUs equipped 7
April 2026 data (GK365): 3,78,547 waste pickers profiled, 2,52,163 validated via e-KYC

What is GARIMA Scheme? – Odisha’s Model That Inspired NAMASTE

GARIMA was launched on 11 Sep 2020 as India’s first state-wide comprehensive scheme for safety and dignity of core sanitation workers 1.

Why GARIMA Matters:

20,000+ informal sanitation workers made visible via survey on Swachh Sahara Odisha portal – dynamic database of 15,000+ informal workers
Only trained workers from Odisha Water Academy (WAT-CO) allowed to enter sewers – 280 certified so far
Working hours cut from 8 to 6 hours
Wages increased: 49% for Grade-1 & 33% for Grade-2 + 15% Risk & Hardship Allowance 9

Full Benefits List (More than NAMASTE):

State-wide survey & ID card
Mandatory registration of Private Sanitation Service Organizations (PSSOs)
PPE & mechanized equipment as per CPHEEO norms
Skill training + counselling for alternative livelihood + financial support to switch jobs
Special category wages + Risk Allowance
Health insurance + periodic health check-ups + Disability support + Illness Allowance
Housing grant 90% + 2-wheeler grant 90%
Educational grant for children (tuition + hostel till PG)
Mobility support + Mobile support
EPF + Retirement benefits + Family Pension + ex-gratia for accident (Corpus Rs.50 crore initial) 1
Garima Griha – rest, wash, storage spaces – 33 built
Recognized as Best Practice by National Human Rights Commission, ISC-FICCI Special Recognition Award

NAMASTE-GARIMA Convergence (2026): In Feb 2026, Odisha H&UD Dept aligned NAMASTE with GARIMA – enrolment drive across ULBs, combining mechanization + dignity framework 5

Swachhata Sarthi / Waste Picker Component (New 2024) – Detailed

Often called Swachhata Sarthi in field, officially Waste Pickers Component as 3rd Component of NAMASTE.

Approved: Standing Finance Committee meeting 20.06.2024, applicable from FY 2024-25 6
Timeline: 2 years – 2024-25 to 2025-26, may continue after evaluation. Part of extension till 2031.
Coverage: All 4800+ ULBs + Rural areas via District Panchayati Raj Dept. Gram Panchayats + Swachhagrahis under SBM Grameen to collect data.
Target: 2.5 lakh waste pickers profiling (1 lakh in 2024-25, 1.5 lakh in 2025-26) 8
Verification: Scrap sale receipts, endorsement by scrap shop owner / registered waste picker / sanitation staff, membership of waste picker org, CSO/CSC/RO validation. Incentive Rs.150-250 per validated waste picker with e-KYC.
Benefits:
- Occupational Photo ID Card (authorizes waste picking in ULB)
- PPE Kit (2 sets apron, gloves, mask, goggles, fluorescent jacket, safety shoes, raincoat, cap) – cost Rs.2,500 per kit
- Training: 30 hours Upskilling/RPL + EDP on value addition, upcycling, product design, packaging, marketing, e-commerce, PPE use. Stipend Rs.1,000 via DBT.
- Health Insurance AB-PMJAY
- Collectivization into SHGs/Cooperatives, handholding by 77 Resource Organizations (ROs) empanelled nationally, management of 750 DWCCs
- Capital subsidy for waste collection vehicles (same as above)
- Linkage to social security: PDS, PMAY, scholarships, Atal Pension Yojana, etc.
Social Profile (from enumeration): 84.5% SC/ST/OBC, 48.7% women – highlighting vulnerability.

Helpline Numbers – 14420 vs 14473 – Don’t Confuse

1. Helpline 14420 – For Sewer & Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) & Citizens

Launched: March 2021 under Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge by MoHUA, now part of NAMASTE ERSU
Purpose:
- Citizens can book mechanized cleaning of sewers/septic tanks (no manual entry)
- Citizens can report unsafe manhole cleaning – worker without mask/belt/gloves 10
- Workers can report lack of PPE, safety violations, non-payment
How it Works: Each Municipal Corporation / District HQ must set up Emergency Response Sanitation Unit (ERSU) with trained manpower + safety equipment + functional helpline 14420. Headed by Responsible Sanitation Authority (RSA) – usually District Magistrate. Financial assistance Rs.2,00,000 per ERSU for safety devices after RSA appointment + helpline operational + profiling completed 11
Availability: 24×7 toll-free, managed by ULB (e.g., Chennai Metro Water Board manages in Chennai)
Grievance Redressal: Real-time tracking via NAMASTE MIS dashboard

2. Helpline 14473 – For Waste Pickers (New – Launched 16 July 2025)

Launched On: NAMASTE Day – 16th July 2025 in Lucknow by Union MoS for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri B.L. Verma 12
Piloted By: UNDP in November 2023 as first-of-its-kind dedicated waste picker helpline 13
Integrated: With NAMASTE scheme in July 2025
Features:
- Free missed-call system – worker gives missed call, gets callback (for limited balance users)
- 12 local languages, gender-sensitive, empathy-trained agents (not just technical)
- Information on 15+ schemes: Ayushman Bharat health insurance, e-Shram, Jan Dhan, pensions, PPE kits, skilling, women-focused schemes
- Backed by grassroots mobilizers, NGOs, ULBs for last-mile delivery
- Through 77 Resource Organizations (ROs) / NGOs across India
Impact (as of Sep 2025): Reached 60,000 workers (1/3 women), 180,000+ calls handled, enrollments in 15+ schemes 13
Number: 14473 – dial for waste picker support

Use 14420 if you see sewer cleaning or need septic tank cleaning machine. Use 14473 if you are a waste picker needing ID card, PPE, insurance, or vehicle subsidy.

Eligibility – Who Can Apply?

For NAMASTE – SSWs:

Engaged in cleaning & maintenance of sewers (including pumping stations, manholes) and septic tank cleaning
May be permanent ULB employee, contractual, PSSO employee, or independent informal worker
Age 18+ (for training/loan), identified via ULB profiling camp
Dependents (spouse/children 18+) also eligible for skilling + loan

For Waste Pickers:

Informal waste pickers at streets, door-to-door, transfer stations, dumpsites, landfill, MRF, recycling/repair facilities, itinerant waste buyers
Informal waste sorters at processing/recycling facilities
Engaged minimum 6 months in activity
Verification via scrap receipts / scrap shop owner endorsement / membership proof

For GARIMA (Odisha):

Core sanitation workers directly handling faecal matter in urban Odisha – identified via state-wide survey

How to Apply – Step-by-Step

For NAMASTE – SSWs:

Attend Profiling Camp organized by your ULB / City NAMASTE Monitoring Unit (CNMU). Carry Aadhaar, bank passbook, photo, proof of work.
e-KYC & NAMASTE ID: Your data entered in NAMASTE Mobile App / Portal, validated by ULB, unique ID + occupational card generated.
Get PPE + Training: Enrolled for occupational safety training by MSDE + NSKFDC, stipend during training.
Health Insurance: Automatically enrolled for AB-PMJAY – get Ayushman card.
For Capital Subsidy (Rs.5 lakh):
- Go to Jan Samarth Portal – jansamarth.in or nskfdc.nic.in
- Select Swachhata Udyami Yojana (SUY) / NAMASTE – sanitation vehicle/equipment loan
- Upload NAMASTE ID, project report (vehicle/equipment costing up to Rs.15L)
- Loan via banks/NSKFDC SCA, subsidy released upfront
For Grievance / Emergency: Call 14420

For Waste Pickers:

Contact ULB / Gram Panchayat / CSC / Resource Organization / Swachhagrahi
Profiling via Waste Picker Enumeration App (launched 5 June 2025 on World Environment Day) – geo-tagging + demographic data
Validation + e-KYC → Waste Picker ID Card
Training + PPE + Ayushman card
Form SHG/Cooperative → apply for DWCC allotment + vehicle subsidy (same Jan Samarth route)
For Help: Call 14473 (missed call allowed) or 14420 for general

For GARIMA:

Survey via Swachh Sahara Odisha portal by H&UD Dept. Contact your ULB in Odisha.

NSKFDC Contact – Official (Nodal Agency for Both)

National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
NTSC, 3rd Floor, E-Block, NSIC, Okhla Industrial Estate-III, New Delhi-110020
Entry from Gate No.4, Near Govind Puri Metro Station
Phone: 011-26382476, 011-26382477, 011-26382478
Fax: 011-26382479
Email: nskfdc-msje[at]nic[dot]in, md-nskfdc[at]nic[dot]in
Website: https://nskfdc.nic.in
NAMASTE Portal: namaste.uat-projects.com / socialjustice.gov.in NAMASTE section
Ministry: socialjustice.gov.in

State Nodal: State NAMASTE Director designated by State Govt + District Magistrate as Responsible Sanitation Authority (RSA)

ULB Level: City NAMASTE Nodal Officer + City NAMASTE Manager (PMU resource deployed by NSKFDC)

FAQs – Combined NAMASTE + GARIMA

Q. Is NAMASTE extended till 2031?
Yes. Original outlay Rs.349.70 crore for 2023-26. Now Ministry has proposed expansion with Rs.498.73 crore till 2030-31, covering rural areas + drain cleaners + STP/FSTP workers + waste pickers. PIB press release PRID 1852627 mentions 4-year approval, recent Vajiram update confirms 2030-31 proposal 4.

Q. What is difference between 14420 and 14473?
14420 = National helpline for sewer/septic tank mechanized cleaning & reporting unsafe manual cleaning (ERSU). 14473 = Dedicated helpline for waste pickers for ID, PPE, insurance, skilling, vehicle subsidy, launched 16 July 2025.

Q. How much subsidy under NAMASTE?
Up to Rs.5 lakh capital subsidy: 50% up to Rs.5L project, Rs.2.5L + 25% of balance for Rs.5-15L project. Max Rs.5L per unit, Rs.18.75L per SHG group (Rs.50L project). Same for waste picker DWCC vehicle.

Q. Is GARIMA only for Odisha?
Yes, Odisha state scheme. But now Odisha has launched NAMASTE-GARIMA drive to converge both – so Odisha workers get benefits of both central + state.

Q. Can waste pickers apply if they are not in ULB?
Yes, since 2024-25 waste picker component covers rural areas too via Gram Panchayats and District Panchayati Raj Dept.

Q. Where to check JagranJosh / InsightsOnIndia articles?
JagranJosh has guide on objectives, benefits, eligibility, how to apply via Jan Samarth 14. InsightsOnIndia covers features, significance, inclusion of waste pickers since June 2024.

Why This Combined Article Ranks (Your Note)

Existing pages cover either NAMASTE or GARIMA, not both.
No page consolidates 14420 + 14473 + 5 lakh subsidy + waste picker enumeration app + 2031 extension + 750 DWCC + 77 ROs + NSKFDC contact.
Search demand: “NAMASTE scheme apply online”, “GARIMA scheme Odisha benefits”, “14420 helpline”, “14473 waste picker helpline”, “NAMASTE capital subsidy 5 lakh”, “Swachhata Sarthi waste picker” – all low competition, high intent from NGOs, ULBs, sanitation workers.

Sources: PIB PRID 1852627 2, PIB PRID 2012373 & 155183 3, CSIR/NAMASTE waste picker guidelines 6, MoSJE waste picker guidelines 8, Vajiram expansion 4, Odisha GARIMA official 1, DD India progress 7, Drishti IAS helpline 14473 launch 12, UNDP helpline story 13, Times of India 14420 10, JagranJosh how to apply 14.