ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 19 April. Click Here for more information.
ForumIAS Answer Writing Focus Group (AWFG) for Mains 2024 commencing from 24th June 2024. The Entrance Test for the program will be held on 28th April 2024 at 9 AM. To know more about the program visit: https://forumias.com/blog/awfg2024
What is the News?
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has taken several initiatives in the year 2021.
Initiatives by Min of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2021
SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise
Post –Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students
National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC): It was set up in 1997 and is a wholly-owned Govt. of India Undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (M/o SJ&E).
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.
Swachhta Udyami Yojna (SUY): It was launched by NSKFDC in 2014 with twin objectives of cleanliness and providing livelihood to Safai Karamcharis and liberated Manual Scavengers and their dependents. NSKFDC provides financial assistance to its target group for procurement of operation of mechanized sanitation-related equipment and vehicles.
Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS): It was launched in 2007 with the objective to rehabilitate manual scavengers and their dependents in alternative occupations. The scheme has the following main provisions for providing assistance:
– One Time Cash Assistance of Rs. 40,00/- to one identified manual scavenger in the family.
– Skill Development Training of manual scavengers and their dependents up to two years with stipend @ Rs. 3,000/- per month during the training period.
– Capital Subsidy up to Rs. 5.00 lakh for those who availed loans for Self Employment Projects including sanitation-related projects. Capital Subsidy to be paid upfront and not back-ended.
– Health insurance under Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to the families of all the identified manual scavengers.
Vayoshreshtha Samman- National Awards for Senior Citizens
National Helpline for Senior Citizens named Elderline – 14567
Scheme for Economic Empowerment of De-notified(DNT) Communities (SEED): It was launched for the welfare of De-notified communities. The scheme has the following four components:-
– To provide coaching of good quality for DNT candidates to enable them to appear in competitive examinations.
– To provide Health Insurance to them.
– To facilitate livelihood initiative at the community level; and
– To provide financial assistance for the construction of houses for members of these communities.
Source: This post is based on the article ‘Year End Review: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment’ published in PIB on 17th January 2022.
