Kerala is free of manual scavenging: survey

Kerala has declared itself free of manual scavenging after a recent digital survey found no individuals engaged in the practice across the state. The survey was conducted in compliance with a Supreme Court order and was overseen by the National Safai Karmachari Finance and Development Corporation. The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, prohibits the engagement of manual scavengers and insanitary latrines. Any violation of the Act can result in a jail term or fine. The survey confirmed that there were no manual scavengers in the state, as no individuals were found to be engaged in the banned practice.