1: Understanding the PM-SURAJ Portal

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled the national online portal ‘Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan’ (PM-SURAJ), reflecting the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's commitment to uplifting marginalised communities.

- The portal facilitates credit support to 1 lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged groups, such as Scheduled Castes, backward classes, and Safai Mitras.

- This initiative is a significant stride towards putting the underprivileged at the centre of our national development goals by enhancing accessibility to financial resources.

2: Why in News?

- PM-SURAJ portal is in the news due to its target of empowering marginalised sections of the Indian society.

- During the launch, PM Modi interacted with beneficiaries of various schemes, including NAMASTE, VCF-SC, VCF-BC, and ASIIM.

- The move to provide Ayushman health cards and personal protective equipment (PPE) kits to sewer and septic tank workers (Safai Mitras) under the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) attained highlighted attention.

3: About NAMASTE Scheme

- Initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the NAMASTE scheme seeks to eliminate hazardous sewer and septic-tank cleaning practices.

- The scheme aids in the identification of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and provides them with occupational training and PPE kits.

- It also helps equip Sanitation Response Units (SRUs) with safety devices and ensures health insurance benefits to SSWs and their families under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

- Apart from mitigating health risks, the scheme is geared towards promoting entrepreneurship. It offers funding support and subsidies to sanitation workers, enabling them to acquire sanitation-related equipment.

- It also emphasises the power of information and awareness. It will deploy massive campaigns, conducted by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) & National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC), to disseminate information about the interventions of NAMASTE.

4: Geography, History, and Importance

- This initiative spans nationwide, indicating its significant geographical reach.

- Being a recent initiative, the PM-SURAJ portal represents a fresh chapter in India's efforts towards social justice and empowerment.

- The initiative holds paramount importance as it aims to uplift disadvantaged communities, supporting not just their survival but also their progress. The push towards the eradication of unsafe sanitation practices and fostering entrepreneurial growth under NAMASTE scheme signals the government's commitment to enhanced living standards and equality.

In conclusion, the PM-SURAJ portal is an integral part of India's commitment towards social justice, presenting an all-encompassing approach that incorporates financial, educational, health, and safety provisions. Its alignment with the principles of equity and progress makes it a significant benchmark in the journey towards an inclusive and thriving society.