Date:12/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/12/stories/2008071257660300.htm

Karnataka

Manual scavenging will go by October 2, says Minister

Staff Correspondent

‘Urban Development Department is working to stop the practice’
Minister says Government will implement solid waste management

DAVANGERE: Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs S. Suresh Kumar has said that there are 403 manual scavengers in the State, and the Urban Development Department is working to stop the practice. He said that the State Government was committed to putting an end to manual scavenging by October 2, and declare Karnataka a “manual scavenging-free State”.

Talking to presspersons here on Friday, Mr. Suresh Kumar said that the practice was inhuman and barbaric. He said that the State Government would rehabilitate the manual scavengers.

Affidavit

Mr. Kumar added that the State Government had filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court saying that it would initiate all steps to implement scientific solid waste management in all towns and cities.

Steps

All steps were being taken up for scientific disposal of solid waste in towns and cities and a certain amount had been earmarked for each town and city depending on the population, he said.