(a) whether the Government have formulated any scheme for the emancipation and resettlement of Safai Karamacharis;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the funds allocated by the Government for the implementation of the said scheme during the last three years; and
(d) the number of Safai Karamcharis resettled during the said period?
THE MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT(DR. SATYANARAYAN JATIYA)
(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the table of the House.
Statement referred to in reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No.679 for 08.05.2003 raised by Shri Ramdas Rupala Gavit, MP regarding `Resettlement Scheme for Safai Karamcharis`.
(a) & (b): Government of India is implementing the National Scheme of Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers and their Dependents (NSLRS) since 1992. The objective of the scheme is to liberate the scavengers from their existing occupation and to provide for and engage them in alternative and dignified occupations. The main components of the Scheme are survey for identification of scavengers, training and rehabilitation. In order to energise and accelerate the pace of NSLRS, the concept of sanitary mart has been introduced in the year 1999-2000 for rehabilitation of scavengers in groups. Besides this, National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) is providing loans at concessional rates of interest to the Safai Karamcharis including Scavengers and their dependents for taking up income generating activities under Term Loan and Micro Credit Finance (MCF) programmes.
(c): The funds allocated are as follows:-
Financial Year Funds allocated (Budget Estimates) under the NSLRS(Rs. in Crores)
2000-2001 67.50 2001-2002 74.00 2002-2003 80.00
(d): The number of beneficiaries assisted are as follows:-
Financial Year Beneficiaries assisted under the NSLRS Beneficiaries assisted under the NSKFDC`s Term Loan & Micro-credit Finance Programme
2000-2001 22768 20489 2001-2002 22059 9249 2002-2003 62069 (anticipated) 25262(anticipated)