In its October 2023 judgement (Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India), the Supreme Court (SC) directed the Union and States to eradicate manual scavenging and hazardous cleaning in the country.
- However, it noted that such eradication has not happened anywhere, not even in one municipality, despite the launch of the NAMASTE Scheme.
About Manual scavenging
- Definition: A person is engaged in cleaning, carrying, or handling in human excreta in an insanitary latrine or in an open drain or pit or on a railway track, etc.
- Current Status: As of 2021, India had 58,098 manual scavengers (75% women). Between 2018-22, 339 died cleaning sewers and septic tanks.
- Violates Constitutional rights: Particularly rights under Article 17 (abolition of untouchability) and Article 21 (Right to life with dignity)
- SC Directions (Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India):
- Increase sewer death compensation to ₹30 lakhs.
- Compensation for permanent disablement: ₹20 lakhs; other disablement to ₹10 lakhs.
- Provide scholarships and skill programs for victim rehabilitation.
- Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013.
- Prohibits Manual Scavenging, however, cleaning excreta with protective gear is not considered manual scavenging.
- Violation: of the act is punishable with imprisonment up to 2 years or a fine up to Rs. 1 Lakh or both.
National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)
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