Question : MANNUAL SCAVENGING

(a) whether the practice of manual scavenging still continues in many parts of the country despite the centrally sponsored Integrated Low Cost Sanitation Scheme being in operation since 1981;

(b) whether the Government had set a deadline of 2007 for complete eradication of this inhuman practice from the country;

(c) whether the Government is still working on the new ILCS Scheme guidelines, based upon the feedback from States;

(d) if so, whether the present deadline will be extended; and

(e) if not, the action taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION( KUMARI SELJA )

(a): Yes, Sir. It is stated that manual scavenging still exist in some parts of the country.

(b): The Government is committed for total eradication of the practice of manual scavenging from the country.

(c)to(e): Yes, Sir. Based on the suggestions received from the Planning Commission. State Governments and various stake holders, revision of guidelines of the ILCS Scheme is under the consideration of the Government. since ILCS is a demand driven scheme, all efforts will be made to convert the existing dry latrines into water seal toilets in a time bound manner.