The Supreme Court pledged to eradicate manual scavenging and hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. The practice was described as a violation of human dignity and an issue of utmost importance.
Manual Scavenging:
Manual scavenging involves manually handling human excreta or waste from insanitary latrines, drains, or septic tanks using unsafe tools like brooms and buckets, posing severe health risks and dehumanizing those involved
Stats Related to Manual Scavenging in India
- Prevalence of Manual Scavenging:
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- As per the 2011 Census of India, over 740,000 households still practiced manual scavenging.
- The Safai Karamchari Andolan estimates that there are around 8 million manual scavengers in India.
- Health Hazards:
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- Manual scavengers suffer from severe health issues, including:
- Skin diseases.
- Respiratory problems.
- Fatal exposure to toxic fumes in septic tanks and sewer lines.
- Fatalities:
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- Between 2016 and 2019, 482 manual scavengers died while cleaning sewers and septic tanks (National Commission for Safai Karamcharis).
- From 2019 to 2022, 233 fatalities were recorded during hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
- Haryana had the highest deaths (13), followed by Maharashtra (12) and Tamil Nadu (10).
Reasons for Persistence of Manual Scavenging in India
- Social Stigma and Caste Discrimination
- Deep-rooted caste-based discrimination relegates Dalit communities, especially Valmikis, to the task of manual scavenging.
- Over 90% of manual scavengers belong to Scheduled Castes (NCRB Report 2021).
- Lack of Proper Implementation of Laws
- The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 is poorly enforced.
- Despite the ban, over 66,692 manual scavengers were identified across the country in 2019 (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment).
- Inadequate Rehabilitation and Reskilling
- Many rehabilitated workers lack sustainable employment options due to inadequate reskilling programs.
- Only one-third of manual scavengers registered under rehabilitation schemes received training or alternate employment.
- Poor Sanitation Infrastructure
- Manual scavenging persists in areas with poor sewerage and drainage systems, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Over 25 million households (2019-20 NFHS) still rely on dry latrines or unsanitary toilets.
- Lack of Technological Adoption
- Slow adoption of mechanized cleaning equipment leads to continued reliance on manual labor.
- Only 40% of urban municipalities have functional sewer-cleaning machines (CAG Report, 2022).
- Urbanization and Unplanned Growth
- Rapid urbanization has increased the demand for sanitation services, while infrastructure development has lagged, leading to hazardous manual cleaning tasks.
- Economic Vulnerability
- Workers remain trapped in the cycle of manual scavenging due to poverty and lack of alternative livelihood options.
- Manual scavengers earn as low as ₹200-₹500 per day, forcing them to continue despite the risks.
- Lack of Awareness and Education
- Manual scavengers are often unaware of their rights and legal protections due to low literacy levels.
- Only 37% of manual scavengers have formal schooling (Survey 2021).
- Gender Disparity
- A significant proportion of manual scavengers are women, often unpaid or underpaid for their work in cleaning toilets and handling human excreta.
- Weak Accountability Mechanisms
- Municipalities and private contractors bypass regulations, exploiting loopholes in labor laws.
- Over 347 deaths from sewer and septic tank cleaning were reported between 2017-2021 (NCRB).
Steps Taken by the Union Government
- NAMASTE Scheme: Mechanized sanitation to prevent hazardous cleaning.
- Legal Bans: 1993 and 2013 Acts prohibit manual scavenging and ensure rehabilitation.
- Supreme Court Directions (2014): Financial aid, housing, skill training, and ₹10 lakh compensation for sewer deaths.
- Robotic Scavengers: Robots like ‘Bandicoot’ are deployed for manhole cleaning to improve safety and eliminate human entry into sewers.
Steps Taken by the Assam Government:
- Assam State Commission for Safai Karamcharis: Established in April 2023, it ensures the enforcement of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act, 2013, and advises on worker rights and rehabilitation.
- Vigilance Committees: Formed at district and sub-divisional levels to prohibit manual scavenging, ensure rehabilitation, and monitor offenses under the 2013 Act.
