The government has decided to recognise the service offered by rag pickers, who will be honoured with a national award for their contribution to keep 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.


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, 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 that can guide municipal bodies to take measures to address waste management in a scientific way.