Article:
The manual scavenging situation in India has been a major social issue for several decades. Despite numerous initiatives and legislative measures, this menace continues to persist and claims lives of many sanitation workers. This article sheds light on the issue, its causes, and the steps taken by the authorities to combat it.
Manual Scavenging: An Overview
Manual scavenging, as defined by authorities, involves the removal of human waste from public streets, dry latrines, septic tanks, gutters, and sewers. This practice is not only hazardous but also infringes upon human dignity. Despite being outlawed by The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, the practice persists in various parts of the country.
Prevalence of Manual Scavenging: Key Causes
One of the key reasons behind the prevalence of manual scavenging is the indifferent attitude of some state governments. Several independent surveys have pointed towards their reluctance to accept that such practices continue under their administration. In addition to this, local bodies often outsource sewer cleaning tasks to private contractors who do not maintain proper worker rolls, leading to safety issues and unaccountability.
Another crucial factor contributing to this menace is the deep-rooted caste system and class divide. The ‘lower’ castes are traditionally expected to perform this job, and this stigma and discrimination make it difficult for individuals from these communities to find alternative livelihoods.
Efforts Toward Tackling Manual Scavenging
The government has enacted several laws and launched various initiatives to eradicate manual scavenging. The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill, 2020 proposes complete mechanization of sewer cleaning and provides compensation to manual scavengers in case of sewer deaths.
Previous legislation like The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and The Building and Maintenance of Insanitary Latrines Act of 2013, outlaw manual waste cleaning and the construction of insanitary latrines. They also hold a constitutional responsibility to provide alternative jobs and assistance to manual scavenging communities.
Another significant initiative is the Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It aims to mechanize sewer cleaning by April 2021 and ensure that if a human needs to enter a sewer line in an emergency, they are provided with proper gear and oxygen tanks.
Technological Initiatives and Court Verdicts
The government has also employed technology to combat the issue, with the ‘Swachhta Abhiyan App’. This application is designed to identify and geotag the locations of insanitary latrines and manual scavengers to replace these latrines with sanitary ones and rehabilitate the workers.
In 2014, a Supreme Court order mandated the identification of all workers who died in sewage work since 1993 and compensation of Rs. 10 lakh each to their families.
The Way Forward
Empowering local administration and sensitizing society about the issue is crucial for making progress. With initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission identified as a top priority by the 15th Finance Commission, there is a strong case and resource availability for addressing the problem. Acknowledging the social stigma behind manual scavenging is the first step towards eradicating this practice. Active participation from both the state and society is necessary to assess and eradicate manual scavenging.
This article concludes by reiterating the importance of continuous efforts and strict enforcement of laws to tackle the menace of manual scavenging. Only through collective and persistent efforts can we ensure the eradication of this practice and provide a safe and dignified life for all individuals.
