NEW DELHI: NDMC in collaboration with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Skill Council for Green Jobs and All India Institute of Local Self Government (AIILSG) as a training partner has launched a program ‘Recognition of Prior Learning of Safai Karamcharis’. The program is launched by Honorable Member of Parliament, Meenakshi Lekhi. The other eminent members of the event were NDMC’s chairperson Naresh Kumar, Anita Arya (Council member of NDMC), BS Bhatti (NDMC Committee member), Dr Praveen Sakeen, CEO of Skill Council for Green Jobs, Abdul Rashid Ansari (Member NDMC) and Dr Shakuntla Srivastav (Chief Medical Officer NDMC).
While addressing the program NDMC’s Chairperson, Naresh Kumar said, “NDMC in recent few months has done some efforts in skill development under which we have started two skill development centres and we are getting very good response. Under these centres approximately thousand students are getting trained in health sector and solar energy and are grabbing jobs in the market. As we are getting positive response, we are thinking of using our school’s infrastructure for skill development purpose after 2pm. In collaboration with National Skill Development Corporation and National Safai Karamchari Finance & Development Corporation we have fixed one week training module to further strengthen our approximately 2500 employees. So in coming two years we expect to train our all the employees”.
Addressing the Safai Karamcharis, Honorable Member of Parliament, Meenakshi Lekhi said, “Besides giving training for sanitation and health Safai Karamcharis should also be made aware about First-aid techniques so that they can tackle any emergency situation.” She has also talked to the NDMC’s chairman regarding the inculcation of First-Aid in the training program of Safai Karamcharis.
When asked about the program Dr Mita Sinha, trainer for the program from AIILSG, New Delhi said, “Usually there is no training program for Safai Karamcharis because they have low education level so in order to improve their skills we have launched a program. Under this specialized program they will be taught and made to learn various topics like importance of hygiene and health, precautions to be taken during work etc. using smart media like pictures and animated stories. Also they would get a certification for this which would act as an achievement for them. The training matter is sort by AIILSG and other matters like backup support, knowledge, financial assistance and certification are looked after NDMC and NSDC. ”
Anita Arya, Council member of NDMC said, “Launching this program was very important and crucial step which is initiated by NDMC and is a commendable work because Safai Karamcharis play a crucial role in shaping India. Safai Karamcharis have contributed immensely to the Swachh Bharat Mission started by Narender Modi. Keeping in mind the importance as well as efforts put in by Safai Karamcharis, their health, protection and security is the prime motive of NDMC. ”
Emphasizing on the health of Safai Karamcharis, Anita Arya advised them to wear masks, safety jackets, gloves and shoes while working as Delhi’s pollution hazardous to health.
Dr Praveen Sakeen, CEO of Skill Council for Green Jobs said, “Though we have organized such training programs at various places but we have received immense pleasure and cooperation while working with the NDMC and its employees. My experience is highly satisfactory and I hold great admiration for NDMC. I assure you all that we will raise the standards of these training programs to international level. The training process will include showing of power point presentations and films which will have audio narrations in which the trainee can participate. The book that is being handed over to the trainees emphasizes on the fact that the trainees understand the entire information through pictures. Live demonstrations will be shown through machines so that the trainees become able enough to operate them anywhere.”
Speaker from National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC) informed that ,”we provide a loan ranging from 60,000 to 25lakh rupees to the Safai Karamcharis at very low interest rate of 1% to 3% to increase their standard of living. This rate of interest can also be excused. Apart from this, we also provide an education loan of 10lakh rupees (to study in India) and 20lakh rupees (to study abroad) to the children of Safai Karamcharis. According to the Manual Scavenging Act 1993, “No Safai Karamchari will go down the sewerage for cleaning as it is fatal and hazardous to the health.” In extreme situations even if any Karamchari has to go down the sewage Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for his health. It will be his duty to provide him safety equipment and assure that no harm is caused to his health and nobody dies. Also according to the Supreme Court’s act of 1993, in case any Safai Karamchari dies at work will be given a compensation of 10 lakhs.
Meenakshi Lekhi distributed safety kits to Safai Karamcharis. NDMC gave full right to the Safai Karamcharis to organize health camps in their areas after seeking permission from NDMC.