Almost 20,000 manual scavengers missed out on government's one-time cash aid

NEW DELHI: Out of 63,246 persons identified as manual scavengers between 2013 to March 31 this year, one time cash payment of Rs 40,000, as a rehabilitation measure stipulated under law, could be paid to only 43,407 as in case of the rest details like bank accounts and addresses provided by the states have been found to be incomplete.

These facts find space in the response of the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment (MSJE) in the report of the parliamentary standing committee which was tabled in Parliament in the recently concluded monsoon session. The 31-member parliamentary committee led by Rama Devi has expressed its “disaapointment” over non-payment of one-time cash assistance.

Taking note that the department of social justice in MSJE had written to states in March seeking complete details of beneficiaries, the parliamentary committee has sought details of responses received and also recommended that they actively seek details from states who are yet to provide the same.


Based on the information shared on other rehabilitation measures the committee also notes that a “small fraction” of just 9,563 manual scavengers or their dependents have so far opted for skill development training. The MSJE has said it plans to provide training to 15,000 beneficiaries during 2020-21.

As far as the rehabilitation measure involving subsidy on loan for self employment projects, the ministry has told the parliamentary panel that due to socio economic background and lack of entrepreneurial skills, there is very poor response from the target group to avail loans for undertaking such projects. Only 1,074 beneficiaries have availed loans for self employment projects. To encourage more people the department proposes to provide loans up to Rs 5 lakh with 50% subsidy for purchase of sanitation machinery/ equipment.