The government has said, a nationwide survey conducted during 2024-25 under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, did not identify any manual scavenger in any district of the country.

In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha yesterday, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar said, 58 thousand and 98 manual scavengers had been identified through the nationwide surveys conducted in 2013 and 2018. He said, all identified manual scavengers have been provided One-Time Cash Assistance of 40 thousand rupees each as part of the Government’s rehabilitation efforts.

The Union Minister also informed that the rehabilitation initiatives under the erstwhile Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers, now subsumed under the NAMASTE Scheme, continue to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities. He also said, from 2023-24 to 2025-26, a total of 5 thousand 632 manual scavengers and their dependents received Skill Development Training, while 483 beneficiaries were provided Capital Subsidy to establish alternative self-employment ventures.

Dr Kumar said, the Government is committed to ensuring the dignity, safety and rehabilitation of sanitation workers through mechanised sanitation and coordinated efforts with States and Union Territories to eliminate manual scavenging in all its forms.