(a) whether the allocation made for eradication of manual scavenging and rehabilitation of manual scavengers in the Union budget for 2011-12 and 2012-13 remained unutilised;
(b) If so, the facts and details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) Whether the Government has found any diversion of funds or irregularities in utilization of funds meant for the said purpose; and
(d)If so, the details thereof along with the details of the schemes where such funds have been diverted?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT(PORIKA BALRAM NAIK)
(a) & (b) : Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment implements a Central Sector Self
Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) with the objective of
rehabilitating the remaining manual scavengers and their dependents in alternative
occupations. The Scheme is implemented through the State Channelising Agencies. During
each of the years 2011-12 and 2012-13, an amount of Rs. 100 crore was provided in the
Budget, under the Scheme. However, no expenditure could be incurred from the budget
provision of these years, as there was no demand of funds under the scheme from the
concerned States/UTs.
(c) & (d) :No instance of diversion of funds under SRMS to other schemes has come to the
notice of the Government. However, an NGO on the basis of sample study conducted by it in
three States viz. Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, had reported certain
inadequacies in the implementation of the scheme. The concerned State Governments had
been requested to look into the findings of the study and take urgent remedial action.