250 manual scavengers and their family empowered for self employment

All know that manual scavengers are one of the most poorest communities in India. Many efforts have been done in the past to imporve their condition and ensure that they can leave the life of misery and utter disrespect.

However, not much has changed for them in past and the inhuman pracise of manual scavenging is still prevelant in some parts of the country. This is sure one of the most unfortunate thing in a fast developing country like India.

One tragic thing for manual scavengers is that though many have left the profession the stigma has stayed with them.

Under the ambitious scheme of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for rehabilitation of manual scavengers and their family members, Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment distributed course completion certificates, Driving Licenses and Employment Letters to the 250 successful trainees.

They were given training in various trades under self employment scheme for rehabilitation of manual scavengers. Most of the Commercial Motor Driving Trainees have been employed by various online cab services and NGOs. Financial Assistance for purchase of commercial vehicles has also been arranged in collaboration with Delhi SC, ST, OBC, Minorities, Physically Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (DSFDC).

Mr. Gehlot also distributed loan sanction letters to the beneficiaries for E-rickshaw which have been financed through DSFDC. He said that his Ministry has trained 200 women for commercial motor driving skills along with self defense in Delhi alone. This unique initiative will meet the objective of social and economic empowerment of women by creating job or self employment opportunities for them.

The Minister also said that the self defense skills taught to the trainees will not only provide self confidence for the women drivers but also give a sense of security to the women passengers, particularly those who travel in odd hours.

One can be positive that skill development scheme of the NDA government will end the miseries of manual scavengers and their families and give an opportunity to live a life of dignity and self respect as they move away from manual scavenging and take up new dignified professions.