I+ 5.26 Despite the launching of a nation-wide scheme in March 1992 to free those engaged in such work, and to rehabilitate them in other occupations, implementation has remained dismal. The Commission therefore felt it should intervene in this matter. - A series of meetings were accordingly called, involving the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, and the Ministries of Urban Affairs & Employment, Human Resources Development and also the Railways and Defence Ministries. Further, on 23 October 1996, the Chairperson wrote to the Central Ministers principally concerned, urging that their Ministries set an example in this regard by replacing dry-latrines with more contemporary sanitary fixtures. In his letter, the Chairperson drew attention to the provisions of the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act 1993 and the implications in human rights terms, of the continuation of this humiliating pradce. Letters were also addressed by the Chairperson to-the Chief Ministers of all StateslUnion Territories, from many of whom replies have since been received. 5.27 Though the Act itself had been passed in 1993, the Commission observed that it was, for all practical purposes, lying dormant, little follow-up action having been taken. Following the initiatives of the Commission to give some vitality to the Act, it came into force on 26 January 1997 in all Union Territories and in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtr, Tripura and West Bengal, a notification to this effect being issued by the Ministry of Urban Affairs & Employment on 24 January 1997. The Chairperson has now asked these StateslUnion Territories to frame the necessary rules, required under the Act, without further delay. The Gomrnission is only too well aware that, when it comes to the weakest sections of society, there is a tendency to relapse into inaction. The Commission is therefore keeping in touch with the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, to strengthen and "equalize" their hands as they endeavour to bring about the implernentation of the,Act of 1993, starting with programmes in selected districts. 5.28