SRMS

The Central Sector Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers was revised in November, 2013 in consonance with the provision of the “Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013). The objective of SRMS is to provide assistance to the identified manual scavengers and their dependants for their rehabilitation in alternative occupations.

SRMS is presently being implemented as a component under the NAMASTE Scheme.

At present, the following components are being undertaken:

• Skill Development Training, including Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and behavioural skill development training, for manual scavengers, sanitation workers, and their dependents.
• Capital subsidy for self-employment projects through credit-linked concessional loans for undertaking sustainable livelihood activities.
• Health insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana for eligible beneficiaries.

The scheme is being implemented at the national level through the NSKFDC.

Identification of manual scavengers is done by the concerned State Governments through survey by the Urban Local Bodies/Gram Panchyats. A survey of Manual Scavengers was started in 2013 under the provisions of the MS Act, 2013. In 2018, fresh survey of manual scavengers was started in 194 districts of the country. During these two surveys the identified till Feb. 2021, 58,098 eligible manual scavengers have been identified and they have been paid the One Time Cash Assistance.