While expressing concern over the continuing practice of manual scavenging, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairperson H.L. Dattu stated that just putting in place laws was not enough, they need to be implemented proactively.
Government Initiatives:
The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013: It intends to achieve the following objectives –
Eliminate the insanitary latrines.
Prohibit Employment as Manual Scavengers.
Prohibit Hazardous manual cleaning of sewer and septic tanks.
Survey of Manual Scavengers and their rehabilitation.
National Commission for Safai Karmacharis: Its mandate is to –
recommend to the Government regarding specific programmes for welfare of Safai Karamcharis, study and evaluate the existing welfare programmes for Safai Karamcharis, investigate cases of specific grievances etc.
monitor the implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act.
Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers’ (SRMS): It Is a Central Sector Scheme being implemented by Ministry of Social Justice under which identified manual scavengers and their dependents are provided the following rehabilitation benefits:
Onetime cash assistance of Rs.40000/-.
Loans upto Rs. 15.00 lacs at concessional rate of interest.
Credit linked back end capital subsidy upto Rs. 3,25,000/-.
Skill Development Training upto two years with stipend of Rs.3000/- per month.
Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme to the Children of those engaged in occupations involving cleaning and prone to health hazards: Children of manual scavengers are also eligible for scholarship under this scheme being implemented by Ministry of Social Justice.
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