<h4>Introduction to Government Initiatives for Sanitation Workers</h4><p>The Indian government has launched several significant initiatives and schemes aimed at eradicating the practice of <strong>manual scavenging</strong> and ensuring the socio-economic upliftment and rehabilitation of <strong>Safai Karamcharis</strong> (sanitation workers). These programs reflect a commitment to human dignity and social justice.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The core objective of these initiatives is to transition individuals from hazardous manual scavenging work to dignified self-employment and to promote safer, mechanized sanitation practices.</p></div><h4>Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SESRM)</h4><p>The <strong>Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SESRM)</strong> is a crucial initiative designed to provide direct assistance. Its primary goal is to help identified manual scavengers move away from their traditional, hazardous occupation.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>SESRM</strong> provides financial and other support to manual scavengers, enabling them to pursue alternative livelihoods and engage in <strong>self-employment</strong> ventures.</p></div><h4>National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)</h4><p>The <strong>National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)</strong> plays a vital role in the financial empowerment of sanitation workers. It acts as an apex body for their socio-economic development.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>NSKFDC</strong> offers <strong>concessional loans</strong> and various forms of financial support. These are specifically targeted at <strong>Safai Karamcharis</strong> and their families to facilitate their upliftment and integration into mainstream economic activities.</p></div><h4>Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan</h4><p>The <strong>Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan</strong> is a national-level campaign with a strong focus on advocacy and direct action. It represents a concerted effort to address the issue of manual scavenging comprehensively.</p><div class='info-box'><p>This campaign aims for the complete eradication of the practice of <strong>manual scavenging</strong>. It also focuses on the dignified <strong>rehabilitation</strong> of those who have been engaged in this work, ensuring their societal acceptance and economic stability.</p></div><h4>Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 and Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge</h4><p>The second phase of the <strong>Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM 2.0)</strong> has broadened its scope to include the safety and dignity of sanitation workers. It emphasizes a shift towards modern and safe sanitation practices.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>SBM 2.0</strong> actively encourages <strong>Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)</strong> to prioritize the safety of sanitation workers. This includes promoting <strong>mechanisation</strong> of cleaning processes and ensuring the provision of adequate <strong>protective measures</strong>.</p></div><p>As a key component of the <strong>Swachh Bharat Mission</strong>, the <strong>Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge (SSC)</strong> specifically addresses the dangers associated with manual sewer cleaning.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The <strong>SSC</strong> incentivizes cities to adopt <strong>mechanised sewer cleaning</strong> technologies. Its main objective is to prevent fatalities and injuries by significantly reducing or eliminating <strong>manual intervention</strong> in hazardous sanitation tasks.</p></div><h4>Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)</h4><p>The <strong>Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)</strong> is a broader livelihood scheme that includes specific provisions for vulnerable occupational groups, such as sanitation workers.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>DAY-NULM</strong> guidelines stipulate that at least <strong>10%</strong> of the <strong>Self-Help Groups (SHGs)</strong> formed under the mission should comprise individuals engaged in vulnerable occupations, including <strong>sanitation workers</strong>. These SHGs are then empowered to establish and manage their own enterprises, fostering economic independence.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>Understanding these schemes is crucial for <strong>UPSC Civil Services Exam</strong>, particularly for <strong>GS Paper I (Social Issues)</strong> and <strong>GS Paper II (Government Policies & Welfare Schemes)</strong>. Focus on their objectives, target beneficiaries, and implementation mechanisms.</p></div>