13 STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES HAVE BECOME SCAVENGERS FREE
The
States of Goa, Gujarat , Kerala, Manipur, Mizoram Sikkim and Tripura
and the Union Territories of Andaman & Nicobar, Chandigarh,
Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep and Pondicherry
have declared that they are scavenger-free. Stating this in a
written reply in the Lok Sabha, the Minister for Social Justice
& Empowerment said that the Employment Of Manual Scavengers
and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, is applicable
in 17 States and in all union territories. He said that Rs. 236
crore were released to 14 state governments during 9th
Plan as central assistance for the centrally sponsored National
Scheme for Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers and their
dependents. Dr. Jatiya said the scheme provides for training and
rehabilitation of scavengers in alternate economic activities
in order to liberate them from hereditary, inhuman and obnoxious
occupation. He said that the maximum amount of Rs. 44.46 crore
was released to Uttar Pradesh followed by Rs.33.34 crore to Madhya
Pradesh and Rs.22.53 crore to Tamil Nadu. Among other 11 States,
Gujarat received Rs.20.5 crore, Rajasthan Rs.19.3 crore and Andhra
Pradesh got Rs 16.53 crore under the scheme.
Dr. Jatiya said 543
Sanitary Marts have been set up in 12 states. He said that the
Sanitary Mart concept involves group approach in rehabilitation.
Dr. Jatiya said more than 120 crore rupees were sanctioned for
the Sanitary Mart Scheme in these states during the last three
years.
