What changed
RBI issued a Master Circular consolidating all existing guidelines on the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) as of July 1, 2010, incorporating instructions up to June 30, 2009. The circular replaces the earlier National Scheme for Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers (NSLRS), which stopped receiving government funding in 2005-06. Banks are now directed to implement SRMS with a fixed timeline: complete implementation by December 31, 2009, with spillover in inevitable cases up to March 31, 2010.
What it means for you
Banks must prioritize the SRMS scheme as a national priority, focusing on identifying and rehabilitating the remaining 3,42,468 manual scavengers and their dependents. The scheme offers capital subsidy and concessional loans, requiring banks to monitor progress closely at all controlling levels. Failure to meet deadlines could lead to scrutiny, as the government expects resolute implementation.
What you must do
- Implement SRMS scheme immediately, replacing the old NSLRS, and complete implementation by December 31, 2009, with spillover in inevitable cases up to March 31, 2010.
- Identify remaining scavengers and their dependents using state survey data, focusing on the 3,42,468 yet to be rehabilitated.
- Use the reporting proformas in Annexure II and III for performance and recovery reporting.
- Ensure effective monitoring at all controlling levels to meet the fixed timeline.
Who it affects
All Indian Public Sector Banks (excluding RRBs), Manual scavengers and their dependents, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
What is the deadline for implementing the SRMS scheme?
The scheme must be implemented by December 31, 2009, with spillover in inevitable cases allowed up to March 31, 2010.
How many manual scavengers are yet to be rehabilitated?
According to state survey reports, 3,42,468 manual scavengers and their dependents remain to be rehabilitated under SRMS.
What happens to the old NSLRS scheme?
The NSLRS scheme has been stopped since 2005-06 due to lack of government funding, and banks must now implement SRMS in its place.