India's Leap Towards a Manual Scavenging-Free Future

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Dr Virendra Kumar, announced that 696 districts are now manual scavenging-free. The Central Monitoring Committee urges mechanized sewer cleaning to protect sanitation workers. Since 2024-25, 86,806 workers have received PPE kits and health cover, with 639 Emergency Response Units established under the national sanitation scheme.

In a significant leap toward better safety and dignity for sanitation workers, India's Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Dr Virendra Kumar, has confirmed that 696 districts have been declared manual scavenging-free. This development was announced during the meeting of the Central Monitoring Committee, which supervises the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act.

The committee has directed states to expedite the transition to mechanized cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, ensuring sanitation workers are shielded from the hazardous exposure of direct human waste. Dr Kumar emphasized, "Ensure no sanitation worker comes in direct contact with human faecal matter."

Officials report that, beginning in the fiscal year 2024-25, the government has cataloged 86,806 sewer and septic tank workers for protective equipment and health insurance. Additionally, the Centre has set up 639 Emergency Response Sanitation Units, integrating wastepickers into the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem scheme, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance worker safety and sanitation systems nationwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)