No Manual Scavengers Identified in Fresh Survey Conducted Under MS Act, 2013: Government

Key Highlights:

• A fresh survey conducted under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013) found no manual scavengers across all districts.
• The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme, launched in 2023-24, aims to ensure the safety and dignity of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs).
• Under the NAMASTE Scheme, 89,915 SSWs have been validated across the country.
• Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, launched on October 1, 2021, includes Used Water Management (UWM) to promote mechanised sewer and septic tank cleaning.

Detailed Insights:

• The survey findings were shared by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
• NAMASTE focuses on mechanisation and comprehensive welfare measures for sanitation workers.
• Interventions under NAMASTE include distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, occupational safety training, and capital subsidy for sanitation machinery.
• SBM-U 2.0 aims to eradicate hazardous entry into sewers and septic tanks by promoting mechanised operations.
• The MS Act, 2013 prohibits the construction of insanitary latrines and bans the employment of individuals for hazardous manual cleaning.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Manual Scavenging: The practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of, or handling human excreta from insanitary latrines or open drains.
• Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs): Individuals engaged in the cleaning and maintenance of sewer lines and septic tanks.
• Mechanised Sanitation: The use of machines and technology for cleaning and maintaining sanitation infrastructure, reducing human exposure to hazardous conditions.