Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment inaugurated the “Commercial Motor Driving Training Programme with Self Defense Skills for Women” organized by National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC) and “Credit Enhancement Guarantee Scheme for Scheduled Castes” of IFCI Ltd, here today.  Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar and Shri Vijay Sampla Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment were also present during the launch of the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gehlot mentioned that the “Commercial Motor Driving Training Programme with Self Defense Skills” for 250 women organised by NSKFDC, is an excellent and unique initiative, as it will meet the objective of women social & economic empowerment by creating job/self employment opportunities for these women, belonging to the families of Safai Karamcharis. The Self Defense Skills being taught during the training, will provide self confidence not only among these women drivers, but would also give a sense of security to the women passengers, particularly, those who have to travel at odd hours. The said programme is of utmost importance keeping in view the increasing incidents of eve-teasing, molestation, rapes, etc. The Minister appreciated the initiative of NSKFDC, as it serves the twin purpose of security for women and their economic empowerment, which is the foremost priority for the Government.

            Inaugurating the “Credit Enhancement Guarantee Scheme for Scheduled Castes” being implemented by IFCI Ltd. Shri Gehlot, mentioned that a sum of Rs.200 crores has been  allocated towards Credit Enhancement Guarantee for young and start-up entrepreneurs, belonging to Scheduled Castes, who aspire to be part of middle class category, with an objective to encourage entrepreneurship in the lower strata of the Society resulting in job creation besides creating confidence in Scheduled Castes.  The Minister further mentioned that the said allocation is under Social Sector Initiatives in order to promote entrepreneurship among the scheduled castes and to facilitate concessional finance to them.

Shri Vijay Sampla, Minister of State, Social Justice Empowerment mentioned that the scheme launched by NSKFED is exceptional in nature and will benefit the woman beneficiaries in self/job employment. Shri Sampla further mentioned that the allocation of Rs. 200 crores towards Credit Enhancement Guarantee for entrepreneurs, belonging to Scheduled Castes enable the young and start-up entrepreneurs to avail financial assistance.  He also appealed to the young and start-up entrepreneurs belonging to Scheduled Castes to avail this facility in large numbers.

Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State, Social Justice Empowerment mentioned that the said programme will go a long way in social & economic empowerment of women belonging to Safai Karamcharis.  He applauded the efforts of NSKFDC. 

Shri Gehlot distributed one month stipend to 250 women trainees.  He also handed over a cheque of Rs. 200.00 crore to Sh. Malay Mukherjee, CEO & MD, IFCI Ltd.

Ms. Mamta Sangte, Marshal Art Expert stressed the need for women safety for which they must acquire self defense skills.  

Ms. Sanno Begum first Cab Driver from Delhi and Ms. V. Sarita, first women DTC Bus driver also shared their experiences at the event.

Present on the occasion were Smt. Anita Agnihotri, Secretary, SJE and other officials of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, NSKFDC and IFCI Ltd.

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RTS/ASB