Manual scavenging, the act of manually cleaning and disposing of human excreta in insanitary latrines, remains a grave issue in India. Despite efforts to eradicate this practice, a recent report from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment reveals that only 66% of districts in the country are free of manual scavenging. This essay delves into the definition of manual scavenging, highlights the issues and concerns surrounding it, discusses existing initiatives, explores Supreme Court judgments on the matter, and presents suggestions for its eradication.
Understanding Manual Scavenging
Manual scavenging encompasses the manual cleaning, carrying, and disposal of human excreta in insanitary latrines. The definition was expanded in 2013 to include those employed in cleaning septic tanks, ditches, or railway tracks.
Issues and Concerns
- Historical Injustice: Manual scavenging is rooted in a history of injustice and indignity suffered by manual scavengers, making it a dehumanizing practice.
- Health and Occupation: The practice poses significant health hazards to workers, such as exposure to harmful pathogens and chemicals. Workers lack adequate protective gear and technological support, resulting in increased risks.
- Human Rights and Social Justice: Manual scavenging violates basic human rights and perpetuates social inequalities, particularly related to gender and caste discrimination.
- Human Dignity: Despite the ban on manual scavenging, incidents of workers getting trapped in flooded sewer lines persist, highlighting the need to protect the dignity and lives of these individuals.
Existing Initiatives
- NAMASTE Scheme: The scheme for rehabilitating manual scavengers has been merged with the NAMASTE scheme, which aims for 100% mechanization of sewer work. It provides capital subsidies, worker training, stipends, loan subsidies, and capped interest rates on sanitation equipment.
- Prohibition and Rehabilitation Act: The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, strictly prohibits manual scavenging. Violations of the act can lead to imprisonment or fines.
- Swachhta Udyami Yojana: The scheme offers concessional loans to sanitation workers, manual scavengers, and their dependents for sanitation-related instruments/vehicles. It also includes short-duration training programs for safe and mechanized cleaning practices.
Supreme Court’s Judgments
The Supreme Court has played a pivotal role in reinforcing the prohibition of manual scavenging and directing the rehabilitation of individuals employed in this practice. The court’s judgment in Safai Karamchari Andolan And Others vs. Union of India emphasized the importance of rehabilitating manual scavengers based on principles of justice and transformation.
Suggestions
- Improved Implementation and Monitoring: Strict enforcement of existing laws and regulations, along with effective monitoring, is crucial for eradicating manual scavenging.
- Compensation and Rehabilitation: Efforts should be made to provide compensation to the families of those who have lost their lives in manual scavenging incidents. Additionally, avenues should be created to enable individuals to transition out of this profession if they choose to do so.
- Bio-Toilets: The implementation of bio-toilets can help prevent deaths related to manual scavenging by eliminating the need for manual cleaning.
- Increased Funding for Rehabilitation: Allocating more funds to rehabilitation programs and initiatives will facilitate the transition of manual scavengers into alternative livelihoods.
Important Points:
- Manual scavenging:
- Definition: 🧹🚽
- Expanded definition in 2013: 🚮
- Issues and concerns:
- Historical injustice and indignity: ⛓️💔
- Health and occupation risks: 🤢💼
- Human rights and social justice: ✊🏽🤝
- Human dignity: ⚠️💔
- Existing initiatives:
- NAMASTE scheme: 🔄💰
- Prohibition and Rehabilitation Act: ⛔️🛠️
- Swachhta Udyami Yojana: 💵🚚
- Supreme Court’s judgments: ⚖️👨⚖️
- Suggestions:
- Improved implementation and monitoring: 📋🔍
- Compensation and rehabilitation: 💔💸
- Bio-toilets: 🚽🌿
- Increased funding for rehabilitation: 💰📈
Why In News
According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s latest report, the alarming truth emerges that only 66% of districts in the country have managed to eradicate the deplorable practice of manual scavenging. This distressing statistic highlights the urgent need for intensified efforts and comprehensive reforms to ensure a nation free from this demeaning and hazardous occupation.
MCQs about Manual Scavenging
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What is the Act of Manual Scavenging defined as?
A. Manual cleaning of septic tanks
B. Handling human excreta in insanitary latrines
C. Cleaning railway tracks
D. Carrying and disposing of waste in open areas
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What is one of the issues associated with manual scavenging mentioned in the essay?
A. Economic inequality and poverty
B. Environmental pollution and waste management
C. Lack of access to education and healthcare
D. Health risks, social injustice, and human dignity
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What is one of the suggested measures to address manual scavenging mentioned in the essay?
A. Enhancing community awareness through cultural programs
B. Expanding agricultural opportunities for manual scavengers
C. Implementing strict surveillance systems in public toilets
D. Allocating more funds for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers
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