Manual scavenging related deaths in India

Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

Prelims and Mains focus: about the features of manual scavenging act; about NCSK; data related to manual scavengers; efforts made by the govt to curb it

News: The number of people who died while cleaning sewers and septic tanks in the country increased by almost 62% from 68 in 2018 to 110 in 2019, according to a reply given by the Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE) Ministry to the Lok Sabha.

Background

Manual scavenging is banned under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

Data on number of manual scavengers across the country

A total of 14,559 manual scavengers had been identified by Municipalities and Gram Panchayats in 13 States from 2013-2014 till January 31, 2020.

Apart from that, a national survey was conducted in 194 districts in 18 States where 48,345 manual scavengers were identified till January 31, taking the total to 62,904.

The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) had received reports about the death of people cleaning sewers and septic tanks. These cases were reported from 18 States and Union Territories, while 13 States and UTs submitted “nil reports”.

Source: The Hindu

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