The Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) is a flagship program by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It is designed to provide economic rehabilitation through one-time cash assistance, capital subsidy, concessional loans, and skill training for identified manual scavengers and their dependents. The scheme is aligned with the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013).
Key Highlights of SRMS Loan Subsidy
• Scheme Name: Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS)
• Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Implementing Agency: NSKFDC (National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation)
• Beneficiaries: Identified Manual Scavengers and their Dependents
• Financial Aid: Up to ₹15 lakhs for self-employment
• Application Mode: Online / Offline
Benefits of the Scheme
• One-Time Cash Assistance (OTCA): ₹40,000 to each identified manual scavenger (one per family).
• Capital Subsidy (Individual Projects):
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Projects up to ₹5 lakhs: 50% subsidy
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₹5–15 lakhs: ₹2.5 lakh + 25% of remaining cost
• Capital Subsidy (Group Projects): -
Up to ₹10 lakhs/beneficiary; project cost up to ₹50 lakhs
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Subsidy capped at ₹3.75 lakh per beneficiary
• Loan Interest Rates: -
Up to ₹1 lakh: 5% (4% for women)
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Above ₹1 lakh: 6%
• Loan Repayment Period: -
Projects up to ₹5 lakhs: 5 years
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Projects above ₹5 lakhs: 7 years
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Moratorium: Up to 6 months
• Skill Development Training: -
Up to 2 years training + ₹3,000/month stipend
• Health Insurance: -
Coverage of ₹5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
• Sanitation Workers (Safai Karamcharis): -
Eligible for sanitation-based self-employment projects under the same benefits
Eligibility Conditions
• Must be an identified manual scavenger or their dependent (as per State Government survey)
• Manual Scavengers must have MS-ID/Receipt Number
• Sanitation workers & their dependents are eligible only for sanitation-related projects
• Must submit a valid occupation certificate from designated authorities
How to Apply – Online/ Offline Process
1) Offline Application
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Visit your District Social Welfare Office or Urban Local Body/Gram Panchayat
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Collect and fill out the SRMS Loan/OTCA application form
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Attach the required documents (self-attested)
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Submit the form and collect the acknowledgment slip
2) Online Application
Visit: NSKFDC Official Website
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Click on the SRMS section
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Register/login and fill in your application form
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Upload scanned copies of all documents
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Submit and note your application ID
Necessary Documents for Application
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport-size Photograph
• Identity Proof (Voter ID/Driving License/etc.)
• Proof of Address (Ration Card/Electricity Bill/etc.)
• Age Proof
• Occupation Certificate (Manual Scavenger/Sanitation Worker)
• Bank Account Details
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the main objective of SRMS?
A: To economically rehabilitate manual scavengers and their dependents through self-employment and skill development.
Q: Who is eligible for the scheme?
A: Identified manual scavengers (with MS-ID) and their dependents. Sanitation workers are eligible for sanitation-related projects only.
Q: What is the financial assistance available?
A: OTCA of ₹40,000; loans up to ₹15 lakhs; capital subsidy up to ₹5 lakhs; skill training with stipend.
Q: What is the interest rate on loans?
A: 5% for loans up to ₹1 lakh (4% for women), 6% for loans above ₹1 lakh.
Q: What is the repayment period?
A: 5 years (for loans ≤ ₹5 lakh); 7 years (for loans > ₹5 lakh); up to 6 months moratorium.
Q: Is skill training mandatory?
A: Not mandatory, but highly encouraged. A stipend of ₹3,000/month is provided during training.
Q: Can sanitation workers apply?
A: Yes, but only for sanitation-related self-employment projects.
Sources and References
• NSKFDC – SRMS Guidelines
• MS Act, 2013 – Prohibition and Rehabilitation Act
• PM-JAY Official Website
• SRMS Application Form – Capital Subsidy & Loan
