Kurnur:As part of the National Mechanized Health Ecosystem (NAMASTE) program, Kurnool Municipal Corporation has launched a comprehensive investigation to identify waste selectors for operations in cities. The initiative aims to expand subsidized loans for professional equipment, identity documents and waste collection vehicles to support informal workers, thereby supporting their livelihoods and integrating them into formal waste management systems.
The survey is currently underway, not only to recognize the contributions of waste pickers in waste collection, recovery and recycling, but also to formalize their roles in accordance with the 2016 solid waste management rules. So far, nearly 100 waste pickers have registered their own benefits by applying for an Aadhaar card and an open bank account to take advantage of the program’s benefits. Once registered on the official Namaste portal, these individuals will be officially recognized, making them eligible for various welfare measures.
Namaste is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Authorization (MOSJE), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Health (DODWS), implemented by the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Develobsion Corporation (NSKFDC).
Starting from the fiscal year 2024-25, waste pickers have been officially a beneficiary, a major policy shift aimed at providing them with dignity, safe and sustainable employment opportunities.
According to municipal health official Dr K. Visweswara Reddy, the program will help waste pickers access personal protection equipment (PPE), medical treatments under the Ayushman Bharat program and a subsidized loan of Rs 5 lakhs that can be used to purchase waste collection vehicles. Those who qualify will also receive skills training and scholarships to improve their professional competence and socio-economic status.
Municipal companies have urged all unregistered waste pickers in the city to step up and recruit the program to ensure full benefits. For registration and more details, he advises people to contact their local health inspectors or call the Program Coordinator at 9492469964.
Additionally, police officials say the registration and identification process will help distinguish real waste pickers from those who pose for criminal activities.
