Bollywood actor Aamir Khan met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today to address the problems of manual scavengers who are engaged in cleaning human waste. Aamir had highlighted the issue in a recent episode of his TV show Satyameva Jayate. The actor also met Mukul Wasnik, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment.

"Aamir Khan's highlighting of the condition of manual scavengers will give strength to their cause," said Wasnik.

"PM and Mr Wasnik have assured me they will take steps on manual scavenging," Aamir told the media.

"I salute NGOs, social activists. I am just lending them a helping hand," the actor said.

An estimated 300,000 manual workers are engaged in this degrading profession and continue to be regarded as social outcasts.

Earlier, Aamir had made a presentation before a parliamentary committee on issues concerning the medical and pharmaceutical sector after a show on the subject triggered a nationwide debate.