Government Informs Rajya Sabha: No Manual Scavengers Found in the Country
The central government informed the Rajya Sabha that in the latest survey conducted under the MS Act, 2013, no person was found engaged in the practice of manual scavenging in the country. The government reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of sewer and septic tank cleaning workers through the NAMASTE scheme.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment clarified in the Rajya Sabha that the government is continuously striving to completely eradicate the practice of manual scavenging in the country. In a written reply, Minister of State Shri Ramdas Athawale stated that no manual scavengers were found in the recent survey conducted in all districts of the country under the provisions of the MS Act, 2013.
The government has launched the 'National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem' (NAMASTE) scheme to ensure the safety and dignity of sewer and septic tank workers (LSWs). Under this scheme, 89,915 sewer and septic tank cleaning workers have been identified across the country so far.
The main objective of the NAMASTE scheme is the mechanization of cleaning operations. This includes providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to workers, safety training, and equipping Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) with modern tools. Additionally, capital subsidies for cleaning machines and health insurance coverage are being provided.
The House was also informed that under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, special focus is being placed on 'Used Water Management.' Its goal is to completely eliminate the dangerous practice of humans entering sewers and septic tanks for cleaning.
The government reiterated that under the MS Act, 2013, there is a legal ban on the construction and maintenance of insanitary latrines. Furthermore, employing any person for hazardous manual cleaning of sewers or septic tanks is a criminal offense. All states and union territories have been instructed to strictly enforce these provisions.