Over 12,700 manual scavengers identified, says report

NEW DELHI: Over 12,700 manual scavengers have been identified in 13 states, the Government informed the Lok Sabha today quoting the latest progress report.

In his reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot said that as per the last information available on the basis of quarterly progress reports received from states and Union Territories, 12,753 manual scavengers have been identified in 13 states.

On the basis of proposals received from the state governments and Union Territory Administrations, 2,112 identified manual scavengers have been provided one-time cash assistance of Rs 40,000 each, he added.

In addition, 97 identified manual scavengers have also been provided skill development training or loans at concessional rates with capital or interest subsidy for undertaking alternative employment.