Now, rag pickers' services will be recognised by the government which has decided to give <g data-gr-id="22">national</g> award for their contribution to <g data-gr-id="20">keep</g> India clean.
"There are millions of rag pickers in the country. This informal sector has saved the country. They are doing a good job and I have decided to recognise their efforts. We will grant national award," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said at an event on waste management here. 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 <g data-gr-id="25">innovation</g> of best practices, he added. Stating that rag pickers are helping to some extent in handling waste, the Minister 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.
"At present, agencies that handle solid waste are working on <g data-gr-id="23">contractual</g> basis and this has failed miserably. Handling waste cannot always be a profitable business. We have suggested that the Urban Ministry build a credible agency like DMRC that can give scientific guidance," he said. The Minister also mentioned that there are adequate funds for waste management.