The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has introduced the Swachhta Udyami Yojana – Swachhta Se Sampannta Ki Aur, a loan-based scheme designed for Safai Karamcharis, Manual Scavengers, and their dependents aged 18 years and above. This scheme specifically supports the procurement of sanitation-related vehicles through term loans extended via State Channelising Agencies (SCAs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), and Nationalised/Public Sector Banks.
Benefits
- Term Loan:
- The scheme offers term loans for a maximum unit cost of up to Rs.50.00 lacs at an attractive interest rate of 4%.
- Capital Subsidy:
- For Unit Cost up to Rs.5 Lacs: 50% of the unit cost.
- For Unit Cost between Rs.5 to 10 Lacs: A subsidy of Rs.2 Lacs plus 25% of the amount exceeding Rs.5 Lacs, up to a maximum of Rs.3.25 Lacs.
- For Unit Cost between Rs.10 to 15 Lacs: A fixed subsidy of Rs.3.25 Lacs.
- Rebates:
- A 1% per annum interest rebate is available for women beneficiaries.
- An additional rebate of 0.5% per annum is provided for timely repayment.
- Repayment Period:
- Up to 10 years after a 4-month implementation period and a 6-month moratorium from the date of loan disbursement, subject to the project’s viability and the unit’s repayment capacity.
- No Beneficiary Contribution:
- The entire balance, apart from the capital subsidy, is provided as a loan under the scheme.
Eligibility
Eligible beneficiaries include:
- Target Group:
- Safai Karamcharis (including Waste Pickers), identified Manual Scavengers, and their dependents.
- Other Entities:
- Registered co-operative societies of the target group.
- Legally constituted associations or firms promoted by the target group.
- Certification Requirement:
- Persons must provide a certificate from a local Revenue Officer, Municipal Officer, Cantonment Executive Officer, Railway Officer, or head of a government department (such as Schools, Colleges, Forest, Health, Education, Animal Husbandry) of not less than Gazetted Officer rank; or from elected members of the Municipal Body, Pradhan of Gram Panchayats, and Regional Managers of RRBs/PSBs.
- Note: Under the MS Act, 2013, a person already identified as a Manual Scavenger in the final list prepared by the State Government/UT Administration does not require additional certification.
- Authority for Occupation Certificate:
- Mukhia/Sarpanch/President or any equivalent authority may issue an Occupation Certificate for Safai Karamcharis and their dependents.
- Exclusion:
- Domestic Workers are not eligible for the scheme.
Application Process
The application process can be undertaken both online and offline:
- Submission:
- Applicants submit their loan applications to the district offices of SCAs of NSKFDC, RRBs, or Nationalised Banks.
- Project Appraisal:
- Applications are forwarded to the head offices where project proposals are appraised by the respective SCAs/RRBs/Nationalised Banks.
- Recommendations are then sent to NSKFDC.
- Final Approval:
- The Project Appraisal Committee of NSKFDC reviews the proposals and, upon satisfaction, forwards them to the board of directors for approval.
- Once approved, a letter of sanction is issued by the SCAs, RRBs, or Nationalised Banks.
- Disbursement:
- Following acceptance of all terms and conditions and submission of necessary documents, funds are released to the beneficiaries by NSKFDC after receiving the demand note from the lending agency, in accordance with NSKFDC’s Lending Policies & Guidelines (LPG).
Documents Required
Indicative documents include:
- Pan Card
- Work Assurance Letter
- Work Report
- Address Proof
- Three Quotations for the required equipment
- Occupation Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the moratorium period?
The scheme provides a moratorium period of 6 months from the date of loan disbursement, following a 4-month implementation period. -
Does the scheme provide loans to all unorganized workers?
No, it specifically targets Safai Karamcharis, Manual Scavengers, and Waste Pickers along with their dependents. -
How does the scheme provide assistance?
Assistance is provided as a term loan, complemented by a capital subsidy based on the unit cost of the sanitation-related vehicle. -
Is there any income limit for the scheme?
The scheme does not specify an income limit but is focused on the target group as described. -
I am a Domestic Worker, am I eligible for the scheme?
Domestic Workers are excluded from the scheme. -
I am a Waste Picker, am I eligible for the scheme?
Yes, Waste Pickers and their dependents are included in the target group.