Introduced in January 2017 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) helps the found manual scavengers and their dependants find alternative employment for rehabilitation. November 2013 saw SRMS changed to reflect the terms of the “Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013).
Benefits of the Scheme
1. One-Time Cash Assistance : ₹40,000/- financial aid is provided to one identified manual scavenger per family.
2. Subsidy and Concessional Loans for Self-Employment
- Project-based capital subsidy up to ₹5,00,000/-.
- Concessional loans available for self-employment ventures.
- Sanitation workers and their dependents are eligible for loans for sanitation-related projects.
- Group beneficiaries can avail projects costing up to ₹50,00,000/-.
3. Credit-Linked Capital Subsidy
For Individuals
| Project Cost | Subsidy Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹5,00,000 | 50% of project cost |
| ₹5,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 | ₹2.5 lakh + 25% of remaining project cost |
For Group Projects
| Project Cost | Subsidy Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹10,00,000 per beneficiary (Maximum ₹50,00,000) | Up to ₹3.75 lakh per beneficiary |
4. Loan Interest Rates & Repayment
| Loan Amount | Interest Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹1,00,000 | 5% per annum (4% for women beneficiaries) |
| Above ₹1,00,000 | 6% per annum |
- Repayment Period:
- Loans up to ₹5,00,000 – Repayable in 5 years (including moratorium period).
- Loans above ₹5,00,000 – Repayable in 7 years, with 6 months moratorium before repayment starts.
5. Skill Development & Training Allowance
- Skill training for up to 2 years for self-employment.
- ₹3,000 monthly stipend during training.
6. Health Insurance Coverage
- ₹5,00,000 health insurance under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY).
7. Workshops & Safety Awareness
- Training on hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks for sanitation workers.
- Workshops for government officers, supervisors, and sanitation workers to enhance safety.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for SRMS benefits, candidates must:
- Be identified as a manual scavenger by State Government surveys.
- Hold a Manual Scavenger ID (MS-ID) or Receipt Number issued during surveys.
- Be a dependent of an identified manual scavenger.
- Sanitation workers and their dependents are eligible only for sanitation-related projects.
Application Process
Offline Application
- Identification of Manual Scavengers:
- Conducted by State Governments through Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)/Gram Panchayats.
- Download the application form from the official portal.
- Fill out the form, attach required documents, and submit it to the concerned district authority.
- Await verification and approval for financial assistance or loan disbursement.
Online Application
- Visit the official website for SRMS.
- Complete the online registration with required details.
- Upload necessary documents (Aadhaar, Caste Certificate, etc.).
- Submit the application and track status online.
Documents Required
Applicants must provide self-attested copies of the following:
- Aadhaar Card (Proof of Identity).
- Proof of Address (Ration Card, Voter ID, etc.).
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate or School Records).
- Manual Scavenger Occupation Certificate (Issued by designated authority).
- Bank Account Details (Copy of passbook).
- Passport-sized Photograph.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the objective of the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS)?
SRMS aims to rehabilitate manual scavengers and their dependents by providing financial assistance, skill training, and concessional loans for self-employment. - Who is eligible to apply for the SRMS scheme?
Identified manual scavengers, their dependents, and sanitation workers can apply for financial aid and employment benefits. - What is the MS Act, 2013?
The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 bans manual scavenging and mandates rehabilitation for affected individuals. - What is meant by “Hazardous Cleaning of Sewer/Septic Tank”?
It refers to cleaning sewers/septic tanks without safety gear, which is dangerous and illegal under the MS Act, 2013. - Are all Manual Scavengers eligible for Skill Development Training or Loans?
Yes, all identified manual scavengers and their dependents are eligible for skill training and financial assistance. - Where can I apply for this scheme?
Applicants can apply offline through district authorities or online via the official SRMS portal.