National Commission for Safai Karamcharis | 11 Feb 2025

Source: PIB 

The Union Cabinet has extended the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for three years until 31^st March 2028. 

National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) 

• Established: 1994 under the NCSK Act, 1993; became a non-statutory body in 2004 under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. 
• Structure: Chairperson (MoS rank), Vice-Chairperson, 5 members (including 1 woman). 
• Mandate: 
  • Recommends policies for welfare and rehabilitation of Safai Karamcharis. 
  • Monitors implementation of schemes and laws like The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act, 2013. 
  • Investigates grievances and policy lapses. 
  • Ensures Rs 30 lakh compensation for sewer deaths, Rs 10-20 lakh for disabilities (SC ruling, 2023). 
• Working: Field visits, grievance redressal, policy reviews, suo-motu actions, meetings, and reports to the ministry. 

Schemes for Sanitation Workers: 

• NAMASTE scheme: Aimed at profiling of Septic Tanks Workers, provide occupational safety training, protective kits, and health insurance (AB-PMJAY),  
• National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC): Offers concessional loans and financial aid for the socio-economic upliftment of Safai Karamcharis and their families. 

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