Central Government Committed To Giving Priority To The Deprived

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, B. L. Verma has said that Central Government is committed to ‘Vanchiton Ko Variyata’ – giving priority to the deprived – by ensuring that people who have historically remained underserved or overlooked receive the assistance and support to which they are entitled.

Addressing the gathering in connection with the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, with the objective of promoting the message, ‘Honour for Safai Mitras, Resolve for Swachh Bharat’, the Minister highlighted the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme, which seeks to ensure the dignity and safety of sanitation workers and empower them socially and economically.

The Minister further stated that over 5 Lakh (5,00,013) waste pickers have been profiled, of whom 3,15,593 have been validated. He said a total of 1,79,269 waste pickers have been provided PPE kits. In Budaun, 146 sewer and septic tank workers and 339 waste pickers have been validated through the profiling process, he added.

Prabhat Kumar Singh, Managing Director, National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) also spoke on the occasion.(updated on 18th sept 2026)