The debate on manual scavenging legislation frequently focuses on enforcement problems, while the laws themselves suffer by fundamental legal and institutional inadequacies. This indicates that the legislation does not inherently prohibit manual scavenging throughout India. It specifies that these authorities shall “to the extent feasible, endeavour to rehabilitate” individuals involved in manual scavenging. The PEMSR Act, 2013: Overview and continuing limitationsThe PEMSR Act represents a notable progression from the previous 1993 Act. Manual scavenging endures not by volition, but as a necessity stemming from past caste-based subjugation and economic destitution.

Source: The Hindu January 14, 2026 03:34 UTC