What is the primary objective of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) for the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25?

Solution

A momentous collaboration has been cemented as the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the socio-economic upliftment of Safai Karamcharis, Manual Scavengers, Waste Pickers and their dependants. NSKFDC is continuously working for empowerment of these most vulnerable and deprived sections of society through its various loan based and non-loan-based schemes like Short Term Skill Development Training Programmes. It focuses on complete mechanization of Sewer and Septic Tank cleaning operation by providing soft loans at low rates of interest to Sanitation Workers, Urban Local Bodies. Capital subsidy ranging from 50 to 32 percent is provided to sanitation workers taking up mechanized cleaning works under Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY). NSKFDC also provides loans upto Rs.1.00 lacs under its Mahila Samridhi Yojana and Micro Credit Finance Scheme.The overall rate of interest is 4% and 5%, respectively. The other loan schemes are General Term Loan and Green Business Schemes under which loans upto Rs.15.00 lacs and upto Rs.30.00 lacs respectively are provided with rate of interest at 6% and 1% rebate for women beneficiaries. About Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment           Union Minister: Dr. Virendra Kumar