New Delhi- In a recent update to Parliament, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, provided significant insights into the ongoing efforts to eliminate manual scavenging and improve sanitation practices across India.

As of July 31, 2024, a majority of India's districts have reported progress towards becoming manual scavenging-free, supported by substantial funding under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban 2.0).

This initiative includes the provision of advanced machinery and enforcement of stringent safety standards, reflecting a committed drive to modernize sanitation and ensure the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.

As per Sections 2(d) and 2(g) of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013,** the definitions are:

- Hazardous Cleaning refers to manual cleaning of sewers or septic tanks performed by an employee without the necessary protective gear, cleaning devices, and safety precautions mandated by current laws or regulations.

- Manual Scavenger is defined as an individual employed by anyone, including local authorities or agencies, to manually clean, carry, dispose of, or handle human excreta from insanitary latrines, open drains, or similar unsanitary conditions, before the excreta has fully decomposed.

As of July 31, 2024, out of 766 districts across the country, 732 have reported being manual scavenging-free.

Additionally, under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban 2.0),the release of Rs 371 crore has been approved to aid smaller towns in acquiring machinery and enhancing mechanization.

States have reported having access to over 5,000 standard septic tank vehicles, more than 1,100 Hydrovac machines, and around 1,000 desilting machines.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has advised Urban Local Bodies to include BIS 2470 standards for septic tanks in their bylaws and enforce these standards during building permissions. Advisory measures also include providing safety gear for workers, establishing emergency desludging helplines, and conducting information, education, and communication (IEC) activities.