Lok Sabha Question No. 1733 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-10
Subject: Rehabilitation Scheme for Sanitation Workers
Ministry: SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
Asked by: Shri Balya Mama Suresh Gopinath Mhatre

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO1733

TO BE ANSWERED ON- 10/02/2026

## REHABILITATION SCHEME FOR SANITATION WORKERS

## 1733.  SHRI BALYA MAMA SURESH GOPINATH MHATRE :

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

- (a) whether relatively limited progress has been made in Maharashtra in making railway stations, Government  offices  and  schools  accessible  to  the  persons  with  disabilities,  resulting  in  their facing several challenges;
- (b)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  considers  it  necessary  to  formulate  a  comprehensive  and effective plan or policy in this regard;
- (c) whether the Government is working on any scheme for permanent housing employment and rehabilitation for the sanitation workers' community in Maharashtra and if so, the details thereof, district-wise;
- (d) whether any Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe hostels functioning in Maharashtra are in a  dilapidated  condition  and  are  facing  serious  problems  such  as  lack  of  basic  amenities  and health services, thereby endangering the lives of students; and
- (e) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to bring about improvements in this regard?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT

## (SHRI B L VERMA)

(a) & (b) Since 'Works, lands and buildings vested in or in the possession of the State' is a State subject, and as per Sections 41, 44 and 45 of The Rights Of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the appropriate government is responsible to take steps to ensure accessible built infrastructure, transport systems and accessible ICT for PwDs and is also responsible to conduct regular social audits/assessments and such data regarding the same is not maintained centrally. State Govt. of Maharashtra has informed that a total of 137 buildings have already been restructured and made accessible for Divyangjans.

To facilitate the central government departments/ministries, States/UTs, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) implements an Umbrella Scheme- Scheme for  Implementation  of  Rights  of  Persons  with  Disabilities  (SIPDA)  Act,  2016  having  a  subcomponent called- 'Scheme for Creation of Barrier Free Environment' (CBFE Scheme) through which financial assistance is provided to State/UT Governments on demand-basis for creation of barrier free environment on receipt of compliant proposals.

As per UDISE+ 2024-25, out of 14.71 lakh schools across the country:

- i.          11.64 lakh schools have ramps;
- ii.         8.08 lakh schools have ramps with handrails: and
- iii.        5.23 lakh schools have CwSN-friendly toilets

In Maharashtra:

- i.          1,01,723 schools have ramps;
- ii.         88,287 schools have ramps with handrails; and
- iii.        67,668 schools have CwSN-friendly toilets.

Also, the Department has notified the Accessibility Code for Educational Institutions on January 10 th , 2024 and the same has been notified under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities(RPwD) Rules,  2017  which  includes  accessibility  standards,  identification  of  barriers  to  access  and guidelines  for  conducting  accessibility  audit  of  existing  buildings  and  vetting  of  plans  of upcoming/new constructions.

- (c) No, Sir.

(d) & (e)  It  has  been  informed  by  the  State  Government  of  Maharastra  that  as  a  practice,  all hostels are monitored for minor and major defects periodically. In case any serious irreparable deficiency is observed, immediate structural audit is conducted. In case of unsatisfactory audit results,  all  hostellers  are  shifted  immediately  to  alternate locations  having  all  healthy  and  safe conditions for residence. Meanwhile, the repairs are conducted through State PWD Department on priority

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