In a landmark move, Karnataka’s Social Welfare Department is preparing 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. This ambitious project ranks among the largest state-led campaigns to eliminate the hazardous and dehumanizing practice.
Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa stated that the state aims to offer holistic rehabilitation by ensuring each beneficiary receives a home, employment support, and access to government welfare schemes. “This is not a phased program. We want everyone to be covered at once, ensuring dignity and equality for all,” he told The New Indian Express.
The project is still in its developmental phase, with consultations underway to finalize the blueprint. The government is targeting November 26, 2026—Constitution Day—for project completion, intending to distribute house title deeds in a ceremonial event attended by a senior Congress leader from Delhi.
Officials revealed that three housing models are being planned. The first involves building homes on land already owned by the families. The second proposes grouped housing in rural areas for those without land. The third envisions multi-family housing units in urban areas, preferably close to Metro stations or other essential infrastructure.
A comprehensive survey will be conducted to identify land availability and cost variations across housing models. Of the total manual scavenger count, the highest numbers are found in Bengaluru (BBMP limits) with 1,625 individuals, followed by Mysuru (1,381) and Kolar (1,224), while Vijayapura and Bagalkot have reported none.
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