Syllabus: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
Context: Calcutta High Court ordered ₹30 lakh compensation for deaths of four manual scavengers in 2021 case, calling such deaths “disheartening”, with State government and Municipal Corporation liable for payment.
Manual Scavenging
- Definition and Current Status
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- Manual scavenging refers to the physical handling or cleaning of human excreta from insanitary toilets, open drains, pits, and railway tracks.
- As per 2021 data, India had 58,098 manual scavengers, with women forming around 75%.
- By 31 July 2024, 732 out of 766 districts declared themselves free of manual scavenging.
- The practice violates Article 17 (abolition of untouchability) and Article 21 (right to life with dignity).
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- Legal Framework
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- Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 bans manual scavenging, outlaws insanitary latrines, and mandates their conversion.
- Provides for identification, rehabilitation, skill training, and alternative employment.
- SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 criminalises engaging SC individuals in manual scavenging.
- Major Challenges
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- Severe Health Risks: Continuous exposure to pathogens causes cholera, tetanus, and hepatitis. Toxic gases like hydrogen sulphide in septic tanks cause frequent deaths. 377 deaths reported between 2019–23.
- Social Stigma: Scavengers face caste-based discrimination and exclusion.
- Economic Hardship: Extremely low wages, insecure contracts, and no social security trap families in poverty.
- Gendered Vulnerability: Women suffer both caste and gender discrimination, including exploitation and harassment.
- Psychological Impact: Stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use are common coping mechanisms.
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- Supreme Court Guidelines (Dr. Balram Singh Case, 2023)
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- Phased elimination of manual sewer cleaning and transition to mechanised systems.
- Compensation norms: ₹30 lakh for death; ₹10–20 lakh for disabilities; employment and educational support for dependents.
- Accountability measures: Penalties, contract cancellation for violations, oversight on outsourced work.
- NALSA supervision of compensation disbursal.
- Creation of a national portal to monitor deaths, rehabilitation, and compensation.
- Government Measures
- Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge,
- Swachhta Abhiyan App,
- Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan,
- National Commission for Safai Karamcharis,
- Swachhta Udyami Yojana,
- Recognition of Prior Learning,
- NAMASTE
- Technological interventions: Bandicoot Robot, Endobot, Swasth AI, Robo-Drain systems, and vacuum trucks for mechanised cleaning.
Way Forward
- Accelerate mechanisation and prohibit human entry into hazardous spaces.
- Strengthen OSH Code 2020 coverage and enforce safety norms.
- Conduct regular health screenings and provide protective gear.
- Expand Swatchh Bharat Mission to prioritise sanitation workers’ dignity, safety, and empowerment.
- Boost training, credit support, and women-led SHGs to enable alternative livelihoods.