332 Sanitation Workers Died During Hazardous Sewer Cleaning Since 2021; Government Reaffirms Commitment to End Manual Scavenging.
New Delhi:
A total of 332 sanitation workers lost their lives while undertaking hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks across 18 States and Union Territories between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2026, the Government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. The data was shared by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale in a written reply to a question raised by Member of Parliament Dr. D. Ravi Kumar.
The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to the complete eradication of manual scavenging, emphasizing strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013). The legislation, which came into force on December 6, 2013, prohibits the employment or engagement of any person as a manual scavenger and provides for stringent punishment against those violating its provisions.
Under Section 8 of the MS Act, 2013, any individual, contractor, or agency found employing or engaging a manual scavenger can face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both. The Government said these provisions reflect its zero-tolerance policy towards the inhuman and illegal practice of manual scavenging.
According to information received from the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK), the 332 fatalities occurred during hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks over the five-and-a-half-year period. The deaths once again highlight the persistent risks faced by sanitation workers despite legal prohibitions and ongoing efforts to mechanise sanitation work.
The Government also informed Parliament that 193 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered over the past five years by various States and Union Territories against agencies and officials responsible for hazardous manual cleaning, in accordance with the provisions of the 2013 Act. The legal action underscores efforts to hold violators accountable and strengthen compliance with safety regulations.
Responding to another query, the Minister said no separate evaluation has been carried out regarding the implementation of mechanised sewer cleaning across States and Union Territories. However, he noted that mechanisation remains a key component of the Government’s strategy to eliminate hazardous manual cleaning and improve the safety of sanitation workers.
The Lok Sabha was also informed that recent surveys conducted across all districts have not reported any instance of the practice of manual scavenging, suggesting that sustained legislative, administrative, and rehabilitation measures have had a positive impact in eliminating the practice.
The Government reaffirmed that it will continue to focus on the safety, dignity, and welfare of sanitation workers through strict enforcement of the law, promotion of mechanised sanitation technologies, and comprehensive rehabilitation programmes, with the objective of achieving a manual scavenging-free India.
