The government today said it is adopting a multi-pronged strategy for eradication of manual scavenging and rehabilitation of manual scavengers. Replying to questions in the Lok Sabha, minister of social justice and empowerment, Mukul Wasnik said a fresh survey of the manual scavengers in towns is also being planned. He said the self employment scheme for rehabilitation of manual scavengers was launched in January 2007 to provide financial assistance to the manual scavengers and their dependants for undertaking alternative occupations through the state channelising agencies.

The minister informed the House that under the scheme, 173 crore rupees has been released to the state agencies. Mr Wasnik said under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA), government plans to accelerate sanitation coverage in rural areas by providing access to toilets to all. He said the government is contemplating a new legislation with more stringent provisions for eliminating manual scavenging.