Delhi-govt to provide loans to 'safai-karmcharis' to buy sewer-cleaning machines
Now manual scavengers or 'safai karmcharis' will no longer have to dig deep into manholes risking their lives, as the Delhi government has decided to provide them loans to purchase sewer cleaning machines. Delhi government's SC/ST Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam took the decision today while reviewing a proposal to rehabilitate 200 manual scavengers by procuring specially designed sewer machines, said a Delhi government statement.
Funds to arise from banks and financial institutions
The government would be hiring 200 sewer-cleaning machines, each of which would provide job to four persons and thus create 800 jobs. It would be funded by the SBI, the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation and the Delhi State SC, ST, OBC Finance Development Corporation. The banks and financial institutions would provide 95% of the cost as loan to each machine owner.
Machines to be operated under Delhi Jal Board
Under the scheme, special attention is being given to the dependents of nine 'safai karamcharis' who lost their lives during manual sewer cleaning. It is proposed that in all such cases the margin money and individual contribution will also be arranged by DSFDC and NSFDC. This model is based on public-partnership with the Delhi government. The machines would be operated under Delhi Jal Board.
