Government schemes to eradicate manual scavenging

In her latest budget speech, the Hon'ble Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that the government is determined to eradicate manual cleaning of sewage tanks. Like all previous years where ministers have talked about this evil, this year was no exception. Sitharaman's remarks have left one big question lingering. August 15, 2012 10:05:38 am. Terming manual scavenging as a "repulsive practice",Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said government is considering an effective law to end the practice. "We are considering a new and effective law to put an end to the repulsive practice of manual scavenging and to provide opportunities to those engaged in - SRMS has been revised in November 2013 to provide one time cash assistance of INR 40,000 to ex manual scavengers and enhancement of maximum project cost from INR 5 to 10 lakh and INR 15 lakh and the training period from 1 to 2 years - Revision of monthly stipend has been undertaken as has enhancement of cash subsidy Both The National Scheme of Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers (NSLRS, 1992) and Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS, 2001) have integrated objectives of skill development and provisions of financial assistance. Manual scavengers are amongst the poorest and most disadvantaged communities. • In order to liberate the manual scavengers from their traditional occupation and to provide rehabilitation to them, a National Scheme for Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers (NSLRS) was launched in 1992. Legislative measures to eradicate manual scavenging Government bodies such as Railways, PSUs and Army also employ them informally. Sequence of events- In 1992, National scheme for rehabilitation of Manual scavengers. In 2003, CAG notes that despite spending 600 crore on various schemes, no progress was made. In 1993, National Commission for Safai Karmachari In 1993, Dry latrine prohibition Act. M. In appointment of worker, assistant and cook in ICDS (Anganwadi) centres, only women from Dalit community should be appointed. Among Dalit, manual scavenging community should be preferred. N. Complete audit of all schemes made after 1993 for rehabilitation and abolishment of manual scavenging by the Government of India. (a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood (b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood (c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers In India, The prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, is an enactment in opposition to manual scavenging, which prohibits all types of cleaning of excreta manually and dry latrines, also cleaning of sewers, septic tanks, and gutters without proper types of equipment or protective gear. To create awareness among women still engaged in manual scavenging, though the government banned the practice two decades ago, a nationwide campaign involving 11,000 Dalit women is now going This Scheme was launched in January 2007 with the objective of rehabilitating remaining manual scavengers and their dependents, in alternative occupations, within a stipulated time frame. Under SRMS identified beneficiaries are provided loan at subsidized rate of interest for setting up self employment projects