National Award for Rag Pickers

The government of India has decided to recognize the rag pickers and also to give national award for their contribution to keep India clean. The announcement was made by Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar. The minister said in India, there are millions of rag pickers. This informal sector has saved the country. The national award, with a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh, will be given to three best rag pickers and three associations involved in innovation of best practices.

The Minister has pitched for setting up of a credible agency like Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) that can guide municipal bodies to take measures to address waste management in a scientific way. The Minister also mentioned that there are adequate funds for waste management.

The country generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually. This is expected to increase to 165 million tonnes by 2030 and 450 million tonnes by 2050. The worrying fact is that 68 per cent of waste and sewage is not treated in the country at present.


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