(i) Introduced in Lok Sabha 03/09/2012 (ii) Passed in Lok Sabha 06/09/2013   (iii) Passed by Rajya Sabha 07/09/2013 (iv) Notified in Gazette 18/09/2013    

                      As Introduced in Lok Sabha               Errata             Act 25 of 2013

Elimination of dry latrines and manual scavenging and the rehabilitation of manual scavengers in alternate occupations has been an area of high priority for the Government. Despite the concerted efforts made in the past to eliminate the dehumanising practice of manual scavenging, the practice still persists in various parts of the country. Existing laws have not proved adequate in eliminating the twin evils of insanitary latrines and manual scavenging. These evils are inconsistent with the right to live with dignity which is an essence of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed in Part III of the Constitution. Further, there is a related problem of serious health hazard and safety of the workers employed in themanual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. It is also felt that the existing laws are not stringent enough to eliminate these evil practices. In view of the above, there is a need to make comprehensive and stringent provisions for the prohibition of insanitary latrines and employment of persons as manual scavengers, rehabilitation of manual scavengers and their families and to discontinue the hazardousmanual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks by the use of technology and for matters connected therewtih. With a view to eliminate manual scavenging and insanitary latrines and to provide for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers, a multi-pronged strategy has been worked out inthe provisions of the Bill, which consists of legislative as well as programmatic interventions. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives.