10-January-2025-Special-Article

MANUAL SCAVENGING IN INDIA

Manual scavenging, an age-old practice of cleaning human excreta manually, persists as a significant social issue in India, violating human rights and dignity.

Despite constitutional safeguards and laws prohibiting the practice, it continues to affect marginalized communities, particularly women.

Recently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) held a discussion on the rights of manual scavengers, emphasizing the need to eradicate this inhumane practice.

What is Manual Scavenging?

Manual scavenging involves cleaning human excreta manually from open drains, pits, or insanitary toilets. It often includes handling waste from railway tracks or septic tanks.

Current Scenario:

• In 2021, India reported 58,098 manual scavengers, with women comprising 75% of them.
• As of July 2024, 732 out of 766 districts have declared themselves free from manual scavenging.

Fundamental Rights Violated by Manual Scavenging

• Article 17: Prohibits untouchability and its practices.
• Article 21: Guarantees the right to live with dignity, which is denied to manual scavengers.

Legal Framework Addressing Manual Scavenging

Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013:

• Bans manual scavenging and construction of insanitary latrines.
• Mandates conversion of insanitary latrines into sanitary ones.
• Includes provisions for rehabilitation through skill development and financial assistance.

SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989:

• Criminalizes employing Scheduled Castes in manual scavenging.

Challenges Faced by Manual Scavengers

Health Risks:

• Exposure to pathogens in human waste leads to diseases like hepatitis, tetanus, and cholera.
• Toxic gases in septic tanks, such as hydrogen sulfide, pose a risk of asphyxiation.
• Between 2019 and 2023, 377 deaths occurred due to hazardous sewer cleaning.

Social Stigma:

• Scavengers face discrimination and are often treated as untouchables, reinforcing social exclusion.

Economic Challenges:

• Low wages and lack of job security keep workers trapped in poverty.
• Most are employed on a contractual or daily-wage basis without benefits.

Double Discrimination:

• Women face gender-based harassment and exploitation in addition to caste-based discrimination.

Psychological Impact:

• Social ostracism leads to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
• Many resort to substance abuse to cope with the stigma and stress.

Supreme Court Directions on Manual Scavenging

Dr. Balram Singh Case, 2023: The Supreme Court issued 14 directives for eradicating manual scavenging, including:

Eradication Measures: Phased elimination of manual sewer cleaning.

Rehabilitation:

• Compensation for fatalities (₹30 lakh for deaths and ₹10–20 lakh for disabilities).
• Employment for the next of kin and education for dependents.

Accountability: Penalties for outsourcing work without safety measures.

Monitoring: A portal for tracking deaths, compensation, and rehabilitation.

Government Initiatives to Address Manual Scavenging

• Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge: Promotes mechanized cleaning of septic tanks and sewers.
• Swachhta Abhiyan App: Tracks insanitary latrines and manual scavengers for swift action.
• Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan: Aims to rehabilitate manual scavengers.
• Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY): Provides financial support for sanitation workers to transition to other livelihoods.
• NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem): Promotes mechanization and skill training.
• Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs): Develops a trained workforce for hazardous sanitation work.

Technological Innovations

• Bandicoot Robot: Cleans and inspects sewer lines autonomously.
• Endobot & Swasth AI: Detects sewer blockages and water contamination.
• Robo-Drain System: Automates underground sewer cleaning.
• Vacuum Trucks: Removes sewage waste without human entry.

Way Forward

• Mechanization: Introduce robotic and automated solutions to eliminate human involvement in sanitation work.
• Occupational Safety Standards: Include sanitation work as hazardous under the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020.
• Health Support: Periodic health screenings focusing on respiratory and skin diseases for sanitation workers.
• Awareness and Capacity Building: Provide safety training, financial aid, and empowerment programs, especially for women-led self-help groups.
• Policy Integration: Expand the Swachh Bharat Mission to include the safety, dignity, and well-being of sanitation workers.

Conclusion

Manual scavenging is a blot on India’s commitment to equality and human dignity. While progress has been made, systemic reforms, technological adoption, and societal change are essential to eliminate this practice and uphold the fundamental rights of every individual.

Mains Question:

1. “Discuss the challenges faced by manual scavengers in India and evaluate the effectiveness of legal and technological measures to eradicate this practice.” (150 WORDS)