Daily Current Affairs : 27-October-2023
Manual scavenging, a hazardous and degrading practice, continues to haunt India despite its official ban in 1993. Recently, the Supreme Court of India, deeply concerned about the rising deaths among sewer cleaners, issued crucial directives to combat this alarming issue and ensure justice for the affected families.
Alarming Statistics:
Over the past five years, a staggering 347 lives have been lost during sewer and septic tank cleaning activities in India. These grim numbers underscore the urgency of addressing this grave problem that plagues the nation.
Supreme Court Directives:
- Compensation for Loss of Life:
- Families of victims are now entitled to compensation of Rs 30 lakh, providing some solace amid their loss.
- Compensation for Disabilities:
- Individuals suffering permanent disabilities due to manual scavenging will receive a minimum compensation of Rs 20 lakh.
- Those with other disabilities caused by sewer cleaning are eligible for Rs 10 lakh compensation, recognizing their ongoing challenges.
- Eradicating Manual Scavenging:
- The Supreme Court emphasized the urgent need to completely eliminate manual scavenging, placing the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of both Union and state governments.
- This directive underscores a collective duty to eradicate this inhumane practice once and for all, ensuring dignity and safety for all citizens.
Understanding Manual Scavenging:
Manual scavenging involves the manual cleaning, handling, and disposal of human waste from dry latrines, open drains, and sewers. Despite its official ban, this practice persists, leading to numerous tragedies and loss of life.
Important Points:
- Manual Scavenging Deaths in India:
- 347 lives lost in sewer and septic tank cleaning over the past five years.
- Supreme Court Directives:
- Compensation for Loss of Life: Families of victims entitled to Rs 30 lakh compensation.
- Compensation for Disabilities:
- Rs 20 lakh for permanent disabilities due to manual scavenging.
- Rs 10 lakh for other disabilities caused by sewer cleaning.
- Urgent Eradication: Court emphasizes the need to eliminate manual scavenging.
- Government Responsibility: Both Union and state governments tasked with eradicating the practice.
- Definition of Manual Scavenging:
- Involves manual cleaning, handling, and disposal of human waste from dry latrines, open drains, and sewers.
Why In News
The Supreme Court of India has expressed distress over deaths occurring during sewer cleaning due to the practice of manual scavenging and issued a directive to government authorities, emphasizing the urgent need for strict enforcement of safety regulations and comprehensive measures to eradicate this hazardous practice and ensure the well-being of sanitation workers across the country.
MCQs about Manual Scavenging
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What is the main objective of the Supreme Court’s directives regarding manual scavenging in India?
A. Financial support for sewer cleaners
B. Ensuring dignity, justice, and safety for affected families
C. Increasing penalties for manual scavengers
D. Providing free education for manual scavengers’ children
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What is manual scavenging?
A. Manual cleaning of public toilets
B. Disposal of human waste from sewers and drains manually
C. Cleaning of industrial waste using machines
D. Disposal of household waste using automation
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Who shares the responsibility to eliminate manual scavenging according to the Supreme Court’s directives?
A. Only the Union government
B. Only the state governments
C. Both Union and state governments
D. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
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