Implementation of Manual Scavengers Act

The primary responsibility for implementing the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 lies with the States/Union Territories. The issue of effective implementation of the Act has been vigorously pursued by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment with the States/UTs. 

 

As per the information received from 12 State Governments/UT Administrations, 77,985 local authorities have completed the survey of insanitary latrines, which include dry latrines, and have demolished/converted 1, 39,615 insanitary into sanitary latrines. 

 

Under the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS), so far 1,390 identified and eligible persons have been provided onetime cash assistance of Rs. 40,000/-. 

 

The process of survey of the insanitary latrines and manual scavengers across all the States/UTs is at varying stages, which needs to be completed on priority. Comprehensive rehabilitation of all identified manual scavengers is also to be ensured. 

 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Vijay Sampla in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.