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

Executive Summary The Government of India has reported to the Rajya Sabha that a nationwide survey conducted under the MS Act, 2013, identified no manual scavengers across any district. The report highlights the validation of 89,915 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) under the NAMASTE scheme, which was launched during 2023-24 to promote mechanization. State and Union Territory governments are directed to ensure the effective implementation of legislative bans on hazardous manual cleaning.

Key Points / Main Content

• Survey Findings and Legislative Compliance

  • A fresh survey conducted under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013), found zero manual scavengers nationwide.
  • The MS Act, 2013 prohibits the construction and maintenance of insanitary latrines.
  • The Act bans the employment or engagement of any person for hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.

• NAMASTE Scheme Initiatives

  • The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, launched in 2023-24, focuses on the safety, dignity, and mechanization of sanitation work.
  • 89,915 Sewer and Septic Tank Workers have been validated across the country under this scheme.
  • Interventions include the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and the provision of occupational safety training.
  • The scheme provides safety devices to Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs).
  • Financial support is provided via upfront capital subsidies for sanitation machinery to workers, their groups, and Private Sanitation Service Operators (PSSOs).
  • Welfare measures include health insurance coverage and workshops on preventing hazardous cleaning practices.

• Urban Sanitation and Mechanization

  • Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, launched on October 1, 2021, includes Used Water Management (UWM) as a core component.
  • The mission aims to eradicate hazardous entry into sewers and septic tanks by promoting mechanized cleaning operations.

Impact Analysis

Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) Impact Workers gain formal validation and access to comprehensive welfare measures, including health insurance and occupational training. Mechanization reduces the health risks associated with hazardous manual cleaning. Action Required Participate in safety training, utilize provided PPE kits, and adopt mechanized cleaning methods through the subsidies provided.

Private Sanitation Service Operators (PSSOs) Impact Operators are eligible for capital subsidies to purchase sanitation-related machinery, facilitating a shift toward a mechanized sanitation ecosystem. Action Required Invest in specialized machinery and ensure all cleaning operations are conducted without hazardous manual entry.

State and Union Territory Governments Impact These entities are responsible for the local enforcement of the MS Act, 2013 and the implementation of central welfare schemes. Action Required Ensure effective implementation of the MS Act’s provisions and oversee the deployment of Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs) and mechanized cleaning protocols.