AMENDMENT OF BILL FOR MANUAL SCAVENGERS

**Executive Summary** This document reports on the amendment of the Bill for Manual Scavengers and the implementation of the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme. The original amendment bill was not pursued as its objectives were addressed by the NAMASTE scheme. The scheme's objective is to ensure the safety and dignity of sanitation workers and eliminate fatalities in sanitation work. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Amendment Bill Update:** * The Prohibition of Employment and Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill 2020, which aimed at establishing a Sanitation Authority and compensating for deaths in hazardous cleaning activities, was not pursued. * The issues covered by the bill are now addressed by the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme and Swachchh Bharat Mission 2.0. * **NAMASTE Scheme:** * Launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2023-24 for implementation in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of the country. * Objectives: * Ensure safety and dignity of Safai Karmacharis. * Empower them socially and economically. * Achieve zero fatality in sanitation work. * Eliminate direct contact with human faecal matter. * Interventions: * Profiling and validation of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs). * Provision of PPE kits for SSWs. * Occupational training for SSWs. * Provision of Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY cards. * Provision of safety devices to Emergency Response Sanitation Units. * Upfront capital subsidy to SSWs and Private Sanitation Service Operators for sanitation-related machinery/equipment. * Workshops on hazardous cleaning operations. * Achievements: * 89,104 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) validated. * 85,743 PPE kits for SSWs & 653 Safety Devices Kits for Emergency Response Sanitation Units dispatched to States/UTs. * 70,950 beneficiaries covered under Ayushman Bharat –PMJAY; State Health Scheme and NAMASTE scheme. * Capital Subsidy of Rs. 23.91 Crore released to 782 sanitation workers and their dependents for sanitation related projects. * 1188 workshops conducted on Prevention of Hazardous Cleaning of Sewer and Septic Tanks. **Impact Analysis** **Safai Karamcharis (Sanitation Workers)** * **Impact:** Improved safety, dignity, and economic empowerment through the NAMASTE scheme. Reduced risk of fatalities and direct contact with human faecal matter. * **Action Required:** Participate in profiling and validation, occupational training, and avail of PPE kits, Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY cards, capital subsidies, and safety devices. **Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)** * **Impact:** Responsible for implementing the NAMASTE scheme within their jurisdictions to improve sanitation practices and support sanitation workers. * **Action Required:** Implement the NAMASTE scheme, including profiling and validating sanitation workers, providing training and equipment, and facilitating access to healthcare and subsidies. **Private Sanitation Service Operators** * **Impact:** Opportunity to receive upfront capital subsidies for sanitation-related machinery/equipment. * **Action Required:** Apply for and utilize capital subsidies to upgrade equipment and improve sanitation services. **States/UTs** * **Impact:** Responsible for the proper distribution of safety devices and PPE kits to the designated SSWs. * **Action Required:** Ensure that SSWs are properly equipped with the necessary PPE and safety devices.

Key Entities Referenced