opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2298 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Decrease in Revised Estimate under MGNREGS
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: V. Kalanidhi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2298 ANSWERED ON 14/03/2023

## DECREASE IN REVISED ESTIMATE UNDER MGNREGS

## 2298.   DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the budget allocated for the Mahatma  Gandhi  National  Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in 2023-24;
- (b) whether the Government is aware that there is a decrease of 32.9 per cent from the revised estimate of 2022-23, if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether the Government is also aware that the allocated funds are not enough for the rural jobs guaranteed under MGNREGS  which  is  a  tool for generation of employment/poverty alleviation in rural India and also in providing a critical lifeline to rural workers, if so, the reasons therefor; and
- (d) whether the Government is aware that it has been decreased at a time when there is a constant demand of enhancement of per day payment to Rs. 400 for person under the scheme; and if so, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

- (a):     Financial allocation of Rs. 60,000 crores has been made for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural  Employment  Scheme  (Mahatma  Gandhi  NREGS)  for  the  financial  year  2023-24  at Budget Estimate (BE) stage.
- (b) to (d):  Mahatma Gandhi NREGS is a demand-driven wage employment Scheme and fund release  to  States/UTs  is  a  continuous  process  and  Central  Government  is  committed  to making funds available to States/Uts for the implementation of the Scheme as per the demand for work on the ground. The Ministry seeks additional funds under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS from the Ministry of Finance as and when required for meeting the demand for work on the ground.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2296 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: SC Tag for Dalit Muslims and Christians
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: T. R. Paarivendhar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2296 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2023

## SC TAG FOR DALIT MUSLIMS AND CHRISTIANS

2296. DR TR PAARIVENDHAR:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

(a) whether the  Union   Government has any proposal to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Caste) Order 1950 so as to enable to give SC for Dalit Muslims and Christians with the aim to abolish untouchability in the country; and tag

- (6) if so, the details thereof and if not; the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI A: NARAYANASWAMY)

(a) & (b): No Sir; however; a Commission under the Commissions of   Inquiry Act; 1952 has been  constituted vide Notification No. S.O.4742(E) dated 06.10.2022 to examine the matter: Further the matter is also sub-judice.
Lok Sabha Question No. 2295 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Delay in Advertisement Payment to Media Agencies
Ministry: INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
Asked by: Sajda Ahmed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2295 (TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2023)

## 'DELAY IN ADVERTISEMENT PAYMENT TO MEDIA AGENCIES'

## 2295. SHRIMATI SAJDA AHMED:

Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government has taken note of the report of the unexpected delay of the advertisement  payment  to  the  media  agencies  by  Bureau  of  Outreach  and Communication (BOC);
- (b) if so, the details thereof and action taken by the Government in this regard;
- (c) the details of the pending dues to the broadcaster as on date; and
- (d)  the details of the distribution of advertisement for publicity of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mohatsav in different languages including BangIa and Urdu?

ANSWER MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS {SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR}

(a) to (c) Payment by Central Bureau of Communication (CBC, erstwhile BOC) for advertisements is a continuous process and is done when the bills  from  publications/  other  vendors  are  found  to  be  in  order  and complete  in  all  respect  and  as  per  availability  of  funds  from  the concerned client Ministries/Departments. Regular follow up is also done by  Ministry  of  Information  and  Broadcasting  and  CBC  with  client Ministries/Departments for clearing the outstanding bills and liquidating the pendency. (d) CBC carried out campaign on the theme Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav through  Private  FM  Stations  and  Print  Media  for  Ministry  of  Culture which includes campaigns in Urdu and Bangla languages also.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2294 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Budget Allocation for Disabled Community
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Imtiaz Jaleel Syed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2294

TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2023

## BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR DISABLED COMMUNITY

## 2294. SHRI SYED IMTIAZ JALEEL

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)  Whether  the  disabled  community  is  reportedly  being  neglected  in  the  2023-24  Union Budget and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (b)  whether the budget allocation for the said community has seen only one percent increase as  compared to last  year  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  reaction  of  the  Government thereto along with the reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether  the  amount  allocated  for  the  community  in  the  2022-23  financial  year  was underutilized by Rs. 196.00 crore and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT (SUSHRI PRATIMA BHOUMIK)

- (a) No, Sir.
- (b) Yes, Sir.
- (c) The  Budget  allocation  for  the  Department  in  2022-23  financial  year  was  Rs.  1212.42 crore  whereas  the  Revised  allocation  in  2022-23  is  Rs.  1015.98  crore  .The  Department  is making all efforts to utilize the funds allocated for the financial year 2022-23.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2293 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Braille Scripts for Visually Impaired Children
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Vijay Kumar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

## LOK SABHA

## Unstarred Question No.2293

To be answered on 14.03.2023

## BRAILLE SCRIPTS FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN

2293.  SHRI VIJAY KUMAR:

Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  government  has  any  plan  to  construct  a  Braille  script  school  for  the education of visually impaired children in the State of  Bihar especially in Gaya, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (b)  whether the Government has any plan to declare  Braille as an official script, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether the Government has any plan to provide Braille script equipment to the State of Bihar and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SUSHRI PRATIMA BHOUMIK)

- (a)  No, Sir.  Section 31(1) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 provides free education to children with benchmark disabilities between the age of six to eighteen  years and shall have the right to free education in a neighborhood school, or in a special school of his choice.
- (b) Government has developed and implemented 'Bharati Braille Code' for Indian languages which  are  used  across  the  country  to  educate  the  children  with  visual  impairment.  Braille script is being used for all official major languages included in Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- (c) Under  the  Scheme  of  Assistance  to  Disabled  Persons  for  Purchase/Fitting  of  aids  and appliances  (ADIP),  Braille  script  equipment  is  provided  to  children/  persons  with  visual impairment for their education and rehabilitation across the country as per their needs/requirements.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2292 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Setting up of Charging Stations
Ministry: HEAVY INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Manoj Kishorbhai Kotak

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2292 ANSWERED ON 14.03.2023

## SETTING UP OF CHARGING STATIONS

## 2292.  SHRI MANOJ KOTAK:

Will the Minister of HEAVY INDUSTRIES भारी उद्योग मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that the country requires setting up of 50,000 EV charging stations by 2030 to reach the global benchmark;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether it is a fact that the Electric Vehicle (EV)/public charger ratio in the country is 135 per EV;
- (d) if so, the number of charging stations required in the country; and
- (e) the details of the public chargers operational in the country and the target of number of public chargers to be started in the 2023-24?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SHRI KRISHAN PAL GURJAR)

- (a) & (b): Sir,  no  such  study  has  been  conducted  by  the  Ministry  of  Heavy  Industries  and Ministry of Power (MoP)/ Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for assessing required number of public EV charging stations by year 2030 to achieve the global benchmark.
- (c) to (e): As  per  data  available  with  Bureau  of  Energy  Efficiency  (BEE)  for  operational public EV charger and EV sales data available on VAHAN portal of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), Electric Vehicle (EV) / public charger ratio is estimated to be 199 in the country.

As per data available with Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a total of 10,967 Public EV Chargers are currently operational in the country.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2290 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Promotion of Sports under Khelo India Scheme
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Khan Saumitra

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2290 ANSWERED ON 14.03.2023

Promotion of Sports under Khelo India Scheme

## 2290. SHRI SAUMITRA KHAN:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  any  programme  or  scheme  has  been  launched  by  the Government under the Khelo India Scheme in the State of West Bengal;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of the budget of the Union Government for the promotion of sports in West Bengal;
- (d)  the  details and the total funds released for the promotion of sports under such scheme to the State of West Bengal during the last five years and current year; and
- (e) whether the Government is providing any assistance to the State of West Bengal to promote sports under the Khelo India Scheme and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS { SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR }

- (a)  and  (b)  Yes,  Sir.  Under  the  Khelo  India  Scheme,  this  Ministry  has sanctioned  01  sports  infrastructure  project,  notified  08  Khelo  India Centres  and  08  accredited  sports  academies  in  the  State  of  West Bengal.

(c)  to  (e)  Funds  are  allocated  and  released  scheme-wise, not State/UTwise,  in  this  Ministry.  Details  of  funds  released  under  the  Khelo  India Scheme during the last five years and the current year is tabled below:-

| S. No.   | Financial Year     | Funds released (in ₹ crore)   |
|----------|--------------------|-------------------------------|
| 1        | 2017-18            | 346.99                        |
| 2        | 2018-19            | 342.24                        |
| 3        | 2019-20            | 575.52                        |
| 4        | 2020-21            | 338.06                        |
| 5        | 2021-22            | 764.29                        |
| 6        | 2022-23            | 424.36                        |
|          | (as on 06.03.2023) |                               |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2289 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: New Law for Undertrials
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Gopal Chinayya Shetty

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2289

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 TH  MARCH, 2023/ PHALGUNA 23, 1944 (SAKA)

NEW LAW FOR UNDERTRIALS

2289.      SHRI GOPAL CHINNAYA SHETTY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Supreme Court has directed the Union Government on 11 July 2022 to  enact  a  new  law  for  the  simplification  of  the  bail  provisions  for  the  under trials;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY KUMAR MISHRA)

(a) and (b): The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, in the matter of Satender Kumar Antil  versus  Central  Bureau  of  Investigation  and  Anr.,  in  its  judgment  dated 11.7.2022 had, inter-alia, issued a  direction that the  Government of India may consider the introduction of a separate enactment in the nature of a Bail Act so as to streamline the grant of bails.

(c):  Strengthening  the  legislative  instruments/bringing  in  any  new  enactment and reforming/ improving the Criminal Justice System is a continuous process undertaken by the Government from time to time. The Government of India has already initiated the process of a comprehensive review of the criminal laws in consultation with all stakeholders.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2288 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Constitution of Bundelkhand State
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Pushpendra Singh Chandel

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2288

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 TH  MARCH, 2023/ PHALGUNA 23, 1944 (SAKA)

CONSTITUTION OF BUNDELKHAND STATE

†2288. SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has received any proposal for the constitution of Bundelkhand State;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c)  the  details  of  the  steps  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  make Bundelkhand a separate State?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (c): Proposals/requests from various fora/organizations are received by the  Government  requesting  for  creation  of  new  States.  However,  presently there is no proposal under consideration with the Government for creation of any new State.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2286 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Fruit and Vegetable Producers under PMKSY
Ministry: FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Asked by: Ajay Nishad

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2286

ANSWERED ON 14.03.2023

## FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCERS UNDER PMKSY

## 2286.  SHRI AJAY NISHAD:

Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of components of the development of fruit and vegetable producers which are included under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY); and
- (b) the details of the provisions made under said Yojana regarding financial assistance to set up new units for creation/extension of food processing and preservation capacities?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

- (a): The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been implementing an umbrella scheme - Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) since 2017-18 across the country. PMKSY is a comprehensive package of various component schemes aiming at creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet. Under the component schemes of PMKSY, viz. Creation/ Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation  Capacities  (CEFPPC  scheme)  and  Operation  Greens  (OG  Scheme),  financial assistance in the form of grants-in-aid is provided for setting up of food processing projects including fruit and vegetable processing/ preservation projects.
- (b): The main objective of the CEFPPC scheme is creation of processing and preservation capacities  and  modernisation/  expansion  of  existing  food  processing  units  with  an  aim  to increase the level of processing and value addition to reduce wastage.

Objectives of the OG Scheme is to enhance value realisation of farmers by targeted interventions to strengthen production clusters and FPOs, and linking/ connecting the farmers with  the  market;  reduction  in  post-harvest  losses  by  creation  of  farm  gate  infrastructure, development  of  suitable  agri-logistics,  creation  of  appropriate  storage  capacity  linking consumption centres; and increase in food processing capacities and value addition in value chain by creating firm linkages with identified production clusters.

Under both schemes, financial assistance in the form of grants-in-aid is provided to the eligible projects @35% of eligible project cost in general areas and 50% in difficult areas.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2283 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Natural Rubber as an Agricultural Crop
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Anto  Antony

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2283

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 14 TH  MARCH, 2023

## NATURAL RUBBER AS AN AGRICULTURAL CROP

2283. SHRI ANTO ANTONY: Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान काण मंी

be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has any plan to include natural rubber as an agricultural crop;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard;
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Government has received any requests for declaration of natural rubber as an agricultural crop; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE क ृ िष एवं िकसान काण मंी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR) (a to e)  Various  representations  for  inclusion  of  rubber  as  an  agricultural  crop  have  been received in Rubber Board, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. However, after  examination,  it  has  been  found  that  Natural  Rubber  is  not  an  agricultural  crop,  and therefore, there is no proposal in Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to include it as an agricultural crop.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2279 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Control of Losses Inflicted by Stray Animals
Ministry: FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING
Asked by: S.T. Hasan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2279

TO BE ANSWERED ON 14 TH  MARCH, 2023

## CONTROL OF LOSSES INFLICTED BY STRAY ANIMALS

2279.  DR. S.T. HASAN:

Will the Minister of FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING मत्स्यपालन , पशुपालन और डेयरी  मंत्री be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is any programme or strategy to control heavy losses inflicted by stray animals like unclaimed cows, buffalos, monkeys, pigs etc. to farmers; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER FOR FISHERIES, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND DAIRYING (SHRI PARSHOTTAM RUPALA)

- (a) &  (b)  As  per  the  Article  246(3)  of  Constitution  of  India,  preservation,  protection  and improvement of stock and prevention of animal diseases; veterinary training and practice etc are under State list for which the States have exclusive powers to make laws.

As  per  Article  243(W)  of  Constitution  of  India,  the  local  bodies  are  responsible  for  cattle pounds  and  pinjrapole.  Therefore,  the  State  may  also  endow  panchayats  to  establish  and  run  Cattle Pounds (Kanji Houses)/ Gaushala Shelters (community assets) to keep stray cattle. Many States have established Gaushalas and Shelter houses for stray cattle and provide for feeding of those animals.

In  view  of  the  above  mentioned  constitutional  provisions,  the  State  is  empowered  to  take appropriate action on stray animals. Further, in order to utilize the unproductive animals, dry dairy is promoted. AWBI is also driving awareness programmes for appropriate utilization of cattle dung and cattle urine to make different products so as to make cow shelters/gaushalas self-sustainable thereby ensuring that old and unproductive animal do not become stray.

The  Animal  Welfare  Board  of  India  (AWBI)  is  providing  assistance  to  the  Gaushala, pinjrapoles  towards  treatment  and  veterinary  care  etc.  to  keep  the  stray  animals.  Many State Governments are also providing financial assistance for feeding and sheltering of stray cattle. However, for monkeys, there is no proven method available to control them, as they are wild animals.

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Lok Sabha Question No. 2277 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-14
Subject: Sanitation Workers
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Tirath Singh Rawat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2277 TO BE ANSWERED ON 14.03.2023

## SANITATION WORKERS

## t2277 . SHRI TIRATH SINGH RAWAT:

## Will the Minister of SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to enumerate sanitation workers engaged in cleaning of sewers and tanks and if So, the details thereof; State-wise; septic
- (6) whether the Government has made adequate efforts to eliminate unsafe sewer and septic tank cleaning practices in the country and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) if not; the reasons for the dealy in implementing the benefits?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI RAMDAS ATHAWALE)

(a): Ministry of Social  Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) has formulated a scheme 'National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem" (NAMASTE): The Scheme envisages enumeration of the Sewer/Septic Tank Workers (SSWs).

- (b) & (c): A National  level  competition  titled "Safaimitra  Suraksha Challenge (SSC)" was launched on ]9th November 2020. The overall objective was to ensure zero human casualty from hazardous entry going forward; by ensuring elimination of manual entry into sewers and tanks, and in such cases where manual entry is unavoidable; to do so outfitted with PPEs and  safety kits,  with   adequate   approval, training and  supervision. The   focus areas of the Challenge for all participating cities across all States/ UTs were the following: septic
- (a) thrust on mechanized cleaning of sewers tanks: septic
- (b) availability of protective gears & equipment in case manual entry is unavoidable.
- creation of conducive eco-system through:
- (i) Trained workforce;
- (ii) 24x7 helpline, with large scale citizen outreach,
- (iii) Empanelling of private operators

*****