The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will focus next year on freeing the country from manual scavenging and making facilities accessible to the disabled, building on its ground work done in 2024.
Although the Ministry repeatedly says that the practice of manual scavenging no longer exists in the country, but only 257 districts of the country have uploaded their certificates of freedom from manual scavenging on the Central Government portal. The ministry has also asked the remaining districts to immediately inform about their situation.
A senior official said that under the ‘National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem’ (Namaste) scheme, profiles of 54,574 sewer and septic tank workers have been created, of which 37,060 (67 per cent) are from the Scheduled Caste category. The ministry aims to give priority to their rehabilitation next year.
According to the official, the ‘Namaste’ scheme will be further expanded in 2025 and profiles of 2.5 lakh people collecting garbage across the country will be created.
He said that under this programme, waste pickers will get training in occupational safety, health insurance under Ayushman Bharat scheme and financial assistance to purchase necessary equipment including waste collection vehicles.
“Inclusion of waste pickers in the scheme is an important step towards improving their living and working conditions,” the official said.
Under the scheme, such cleaning efforts will be increased using machines which pose a threat to the cleaning workers. This will prevent cases of death of workers in sewers which is a matter of concern.
An e-commerce platform will be launched early next year under the ministry’s ‘TULIP’ (Traditional Artisans Upliftment and Livelihood Promotion Programme) initiative. This scheme was started to help traditional artists.
Rehabilitation efforts under the ‘Smile’ scheme to help people engaged in begging and the transgender community will be expanded to 50 new cities next year, an official said.
There is also a plan for ‘Garima Grih’ shelter for people from the transgender community.
With a focus on bridging governance gaps, the ministry is under pressure to fill the post of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, which has been lying vacant since 2019.
New advertisements for the post were issued in December and officials indicated that a permanent appointment could be made in 2025.
‘Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana’ for senior citizens will be expanded to include more integrated care centers and advanced supportive services.
Skill development will be an important aspect in the 2025 Agenda of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Under the ‘PM-DAKSH’ scheme, industry-related training programs will be launched with focus on on-the-job training to increase employment among people belonging to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes and De-Notified Tribes.
Education programs like ‘Shreyas’ and ‘Shreshtha’ will also be expanded to provide more scholarships and provide improved access to quality education for students from underprivileged sections.
As the ministry prepares to implement its various initiatives, officials highlighted the importance of accountability and data-driven policy making.
‘PM-Suraj’ which was launched in 2024, will play a central role in integrating welfare measures and monitoring program outcomes.
With an ambitious roadmap for the year 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aims to bridge the structural gaps, expand inclusion and empower marginalized communities across the country, officials said.