National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)

Source– This post is based on the article “Annual General Meeting of National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation” published in “PIB” on 8th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently the Annual General Meeting of National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) was held at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.

What is the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)?

1. NSKFDC was set up in January 1997 as a non profit company under section 25 of the companies act 1956 (now section 8 of Company Act, 2013).

2. It is a wholly-owned Govt. of India Undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (M/o SJ&E).

3. It aims for the all-around socio-economic upliftment of the Safai Karamcharis, Scavengers, and their dependants throughout India, through various loan and non-loan-based schemes.

What are the Key Functions of NSKFDC?

1. Mechanization of cleaning works- NSKFDC focuses on complete mechanization of Sewer and Septic Tank cleaning operation by providing financial assistance to Sanitation Workers, Urban Local Bodies etc., including under Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY)

2. Training of Sanitation workers- Adequate training is provided free of cost to sanitation workers regarding safety precautions, use of PPE kits and operation and maintenance of cleaning machines and equipments.

3. Skill Development- it provides free skill development training to sanitation workers and their dependents under Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers(SRMS) and PM DAKSH Yojana. Stipend is also provided during training period.

4. Loan facility to beneficiaries- NSKFDC provides various loans at low interest rates to ensure their empowerment. For example, it provides loans upto Rs.1.00 lacs under its Mahila Samridhi Yojana and Micro Credit Finance Scheme at an interest rate of 4% and 5%, respectively.

Note- Out of the total loan beneficiaries, 80 % are women.

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Governance