The Supreme Court has committed to take strong steps to eliminate manual scavenging in India. This effort is a follow-up to the landmark 2023 judgment that directed the Central and State Governments to eliminate manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning practices.
Manual Scavenging
- Manual scavenging means cleaning human excreta from sewers, dry latrines, or drains using bare hands or simple tools. The practice is associated with marginalized communities in the Indian caste system.
Highlights of the 2023 judgment
- Phased policies to eliminate manual scavenging: Directs the Centre and States to formulate plans.
- Holistic rehabilitation: Ensuring rehabilitation measures for sewer workers and the families of the deceased.
- Development of a portal: A transparent portal for sharing information related to compensation and incidents.
- Compensation hike: Compensation in case of death in sewers increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹30 lakh.
2013 Act
The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavenger and its Rehabilitation Act, 2013 includes provisions to eliminate manual scavenging:
- Complete ban on manual scavenging.
- Elimination of dry latrines.
- Penalties: Violation attracts punishment up to 2 years or fine of ₹1 lakh.
- Rehabilitation schemes: Providing employment, housing and alternative livelihoods.
- Establishment of Commission: Commission for monitoring and implementation at national and state levels.
Challenges in implementation
- Weak enforcement of law: Lack of compliance by local authorities and employers.
- Social stigma: Caste-based discrimination is a hindrance to the rehabilitation of manual scavengers.
- Lack of rehabilitation schemes: Poor implementation of schemes leads to non-availability of help for beneficiaries.
Government Initiatives
- Swachh Bharat Mission (2014): Eliminate open defecation and dry toilets.
- National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC): Financial assistance and skill development.
- Namaste Yojana: Use of mechanised equipment for sewer cleaning.
- Rehabilitation programmes: Provide loans for self-employment and small businesses.
Future Steps
- Tightening law enforcement: Strict action on violations.
- Promotion of mechanisation: Extensive use of mechanised equipment for sewer cleaning.
- Rehabilitation and skill development: Provide alternative livelihood opportunities for manual workers.
- Social awareness: Eliminate caste-based discrimination and stigma.
- Inclusive policies: Prioritise affected communities in education, health and employment.