Government plans ₹1,000-crore rehabilitation drive for manual scavengers by 2026

 In a landmark move, Karnataka’s Social Welfare Department is set to launch a ₹1,000-crore one-time rehabilitation initiative aimed at providing housing and sustainable livelihoods for all 7,483 identified manual scavengers in the state. The ambitious project is among the largest state-led efforts to eradicate the hazardous and dehumanizing practice.

Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa said the government intends to offer holistic rehabilitation, ensuring each beneficiary receives a home, employment support, and access to welfare schemes. “This is not a phased program.

We want everyone to be covered at once, ensuring dignity and equality for all,” he stated. The project is currently in the planning stage, with consultations ongoing to finalize the blueprint. Authorities have set November 26, 2026—Constitution Day—as the target for completion, with a ceremonial distribution of house title deeds expected.

Three housing models are proposed: building homes on existing family land, grouped housing in rural areas for landless families, and multi-family housing units in urban areas near essential infrastructure like Metro stations.

A comprehensive survey will assess land availability and costs. Bengaluru (BBMP limits) reports the highest number of manual scavengers at 1,625, followed by Mysuru (1,381) and Kolar (1,224), while Vijayapura and Bagalkot have reported none. Officials emphasized that the project goes beyond mere financial aid, aiming to restore dignity and end generations of social stigma faced by manual scavengers. Alongside housing, beneficiaries will receive skill development training and job placement assistance, ensuring long-term economic independence and a smoother transition into mainstream society.