Mains Marathon

• Define manual scavenger and Manual scavenging.
• Discuss the reasons for the persistence of manual scavenging and steps that need to be taken to provide alternative livelihood opportunities to the communities involved.
• Conclude suitably.

Answer:

The Employment of Manual Scavengers (MS) and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 defines ‘manual scavenger’ as “a person engaged in or employed for manually carrying human excreta”. The employment of manual scavengers is prohibited as a criminal offence.

Manual scavenging is banned under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR). The Act not only defines manual scavenging but also provides for the identification, rehabilitation and social security of manual scavengers. The Act also mandates the construction and conversion of insanitary latrines into sanitary ones, and the mechanization of sewer cleaning.

Despite the legal prohibition and various government schemes, manual scavenging is still prevalent in many parts of India. According to a survey conducted by the Ministery of State for Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) 58,098 eligible manual scavengers were identified.

The actual number may be much higher, as many cases go unreported or unrecognized. Some of the reasons for the persistence of manual scavenging are:

• Lack of enforcement of the law and accountability of the authorities and employers (not a single person is convicted under the PEMSR Act, 2013 to employing person as a MS).
• Lack of awareness and education among the workers and the public about the rights and risks of manual scavenging (most of the MS come from mardinalised section of society).
• Lack of access to alternative livelihood opportunities and skills training for the workers.
• Lack of adequate sanitation infrastructure and facilities in rural and urban areas.
• Lack of social and political empowerment and representation of the workers and their communities.
• Lack of social acceptance and inclusion of the workers and their communities.
• Lack of data and statistics about the employment and death of MS (No death has been reported due to engaging in MS as per MoSJE).

Therefore, to end the plight of manual scavengers, it is essential to not only eradicate this practice but also provide alternative livelihood opportunities to the communities involved. This would require:

• Strict implementation and monitoring of the law and penalization of the violators.
• Effective identification and rehabilitation of manual scavengers with dignity and respect.
• Provision of financial assistance, social security benefits, education scholarships, health care services and legal aid to manual scavengers and their families.
• Creation of alternative livelihood opportunities and skills development programs for manual scavengers in various sectors such as agriculture, industry, services etc.
• Promotion of mechanization and modernization of sewer cleaning and sanitation management.
  • National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme
• Construction and maintenance of adequate sanitation infrastructure and facilities in rural and urban areas.
• Sensitization and awareness campaigns among the workers and the public about the rights and risks of manual scavenging.
• Empowerment and participation of manual scavengers and their communities in decision making processes affecting their lives.
• Elimination of caste discrimination and stigma against manual scavengers and their communities.

By providing alternative livelihood opportunities to manual scavengers, not only their economic condition but also their social status would improve. They would be able to live with dignity, freedom and equality. They would also be able to contribute to the development and progress of the nation.