The Tamil Nadu Govt distributes trucks in bid to end manualscavenging

Source: https://thewire.in/rights/caste-discrimination-at-iim-b-probe-finds-dalit-professor-faced-humiliation-exclusion/?mid_related_new

The Tamil Nadu government initiated the mechanisation of sewer cleaning to eliminate manual scavenging and improve livelihoods. On December 6, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin distributed 100 sewer-cleaning lorries to 213 beneficiaries, including manual scavengers and their families, under the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions scheme. Beneficiaries, trained by the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with Metrowater, received subsidised loans to operate the vehicles. The initiative aimed to increase monthly earnings from ₹7,500–₹9,000 to at least ₹50,000. However, many expressed concerns about high operational costs and lack of job security, as contracts are temporary. Safai Karamchari Andolan welcomed the move but emphasized the need for permanent jobs for sustainable change. Earlier, 372 workers protested, demanding regular employment.