The court directed the Chief Executive Officer of each city (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad) to file an affidavit on how and when Manual Scavenging is stopped.
- SC in Dr. Balram Singh Vs Union of India (2023) directed the Union Government to take appropriate measures to ensure that the practice is completely eradicated in a phased manner.
Manual Scavenging in India
- Meaning: It involves manually cleaning, carrying, disposing or handling human excreta from dry latrines, drains and other sanitation systems.
- Regulation: Officially banned since 1993 under the Employment of Manual Scavengers and its Prohibition Act.
- However, lack of appropriate sewage management systems and avenues for alternative livelihood opportunities remain the reason for its prevalence.
- Present Status: Out of the 775 districts, 456 districts no longer have manual scavenging (as on 29.01.2025).
- Issues associated
- Humanitarian Crisis: Violates basic human rights and dignity exposing the worker to numerous health risks, harmful gases and pathogens.
- Link with Caste: Most of the manual scavengers belong to the Dalit community.
- Reforms Needed: Technological interventions (robots, machines for cleaning); proper law enforcement; upgrading sanitation infrastructure, etc.
Constitutional and Legal Framework to Eradicate Manual Scavenging
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