‘Sad manual scavenging exists even 70 years after Independence’: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday rued the existence of manual scavenging even 70 years after India’s Independence, underscoring his government’s resolve to eliminate the practice. “Sad that even after 70 years of Independence, there are certain practices like manual scavenging being done as people are so poor and helpless,” he said here after felicitating the first batch of 50 manual scavengers who were imparted vocational training so that they could pursue other means of livelihood.

The Skill Development Programme, launched in August for manual scavengers in Shahdara, aims to provide alternative means of livelihood and help them live with honour and dignity, according to an official statement. The 50 manual scavengers were given a three-month training in housekeeping, during which they received a stipend of Rs 1,000 a month with other facilities and assured jobs in the housekeeping sector with minimum wages. (IANS)