Centre, cab operators ink MoU to provide jobs to sanitation

The Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry today inked an MoU with two private app-based cab operators under which they will provide jobs to sanitation workers and manual scavengers who have been provided skill-based training by the ministry.
The agreements are aimed at socio-economic development of safai karamcharis and scavengers and their dependents by enabling livelihood opportunities, especially for women beneficiaries identified by National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), an apex corporation, under the ministry, tasked with skilling and rehabilitating them.
Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot who was present at the MoU signing event with Uber and Ola, distributed course completion certificates, driving licenses and employment letters to the 250 successful trainees.

"Training was given in various trades under the self-employment scheme for rehabilitation of manual scavengers. Most of the commercial motor driving trainees have been employed by various online cab services and NGOs.
"Financial assistance for purchase of commercial vehicles has also been arranged in collaboration with Delhi SC, ST, OBC, Minorities, Physically Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (DSFDC)," according to a statement issued by the ministry.
Gehlot also distributed loan sanction letters to the beneficiaries for e-rickshaw which have been financed through DSFDC. He said his ministry has trained 200 women for commercial motor driving skills along with self-defence in Delhi alone.

"The self-defence skills taught to the trainees will not only provide self-confidence for the women drivers but also give a sense of security to the women passengers, particularly those who travel in odd hours.

"This initiative of NSKFDC, serves the twin purpose of security for women and their economic empowerment, which is the top most priority of the government," Gehlot said.
M Nagaraj, Managing Director, NSKFDC, said, "These women have displayed incredible tenacity in overcoming socio-economic obstacles that they encounter on a daily basis.
Gagan Bhatia, General Manager, Uber (North) said, "We are hopeful that this partnership would lead to financial and societal empowerment of the marginalised community in India."

Deep Singh, Business Head, North, Ola said, "We are extremely proud to partner with NSKFDC and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Through this partnership, we aim to create better livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities for Safai Karamcharis and manual scavengers and their dependents.