DELHI:EROSTIMES: The Skill development programme for identified Manual Scavengers was today organized by the office of the District Magistrate (Shahdara) wherein training was imparted to the manual Scavengers. The function was attended by Shatrughan Sinha, Member of Parliament of former Union Minister, as Chief Guest, while Manish Sisodia, Dy. Chief Minister, Delhi presided over the function, Rajendra Pal Gautam, Minister (Social Welfare), Delhi, a number of Civil Servants and NGOs were also present on this occasion.
A total number of 28 manual scavengers were identified in District Shahdara who were involved in manual scavenging for the last 5 to 15 years. The qualification of these identified manual scavengers ranged from illiteracy to B. Com(H) with an average salary of Rs. 200/- per month to Rs. 8000/- per month and aged between 18 years to 60 years.
The above training programme was initiated by District Magistrate (Shahdara), Govt. of NCT of Delhi to provide an alternative means of livelihood, honour and dignity to manual scavengers. The training is being imparted in Housekeeping for a period of 3 months. Trainees shall be paid a stipend of Rs. 1000/- per month with other facilities and assured job in the Housekeeping sector with the minimum wages.
The manual scavengers were identified in February, 2018 by a committee headed by K. Mahesh, DM (Shahdara). This district level survey committee was formed under Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. A three members committee was constituted comprising Patwari of District Shahdara, representative of EDMC and Safai Karamchari and representative of Mahila Pragati Manch(NGO). The training of manual scavengers has been organized in collaboration of Centre for Advocacy & Research, Action Aid, Mahila Pragati Manch & Sadik Masih Medical Social Servant Society for prohibition of employment as manual scavengers and their rehabilitation Act, 2013.