Government mulling new law to end manual scavenging: PM

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is considering a new and effective law to put an end to the repulsive practice of manual scavenging, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday.

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is considering a new and effective law to put an end to the repulsive practice of manual scavenging, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday.

Addressing the nation on Independence Day, the Prime Minister said: "We are considering a new and effective law to put an end to the repulsive practice of manual scavenging and to provide opportunities to those engaged in this practice to begin their lives afresh."

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According to Census 2011, there are around 700,000 manual scavengers in the country, engaged in the task of removing and transporting night soil. Of these, 586,067 are in rural areas and 208,323 in urban areas.