What changed
RBI issued a Master Circular consolidating all existing guidelines on SRMS as of June 30, 2012. The Government of India stopped funding the earlier NSLRS scheme from 2005-06, and banks are directed to implement SRMS instead. The scheme was extended beyond September 30, 2009, with implementation up to December 31, 2009, and spillover cases up to March 31, 2010 (per circular dated December 18, 2009).
What it means for you
Banks must prioritize SRMS implementation, identifying and rehabilitating manual scavengers and their dependents through alternative occupations. The scheme provides capital subsidy, concessional loans, and capacity building. Banks need to use the prescribed reporting proformas for performance and recovery monitoring.
What you must do
- Implement SRMS in place of the old NSLRS scheme immediately.
- Identify remaining scavengers and their dependents (as per survey reports, 3,42,468 yet to be rehabilitated) and assess their aptitude for alternative trades.
- Use Annexure II and III for reporting performance and recovery data.
- Treat the scheme as a national priority and ensure effective monitoring at all controlling levels.
Who it affects
All Indian Public Sector Banks (excluding RRBs), Manual scavengers and their dependents
What is the objective of the SRMS scheme?
To rehabilitate remaining manual scavengers and their dependents by providing alternative dignified occupations through capital subsidy, concessional loans, and capacity building.
What is the target number of beneficiaries under SRMS?
As per survey reports, 3,42,468 manual scavengers are yet to be rehabilitated.
What reporting formats are banks required to use?
Banks must use Annexure II for performance reporting and Annexure III for recovery reporting, as per the Master Circular.