Manual scavengers in India face caste discrimination and health risks. Learn about reforms, schemes, and solutions for their rehabilitation and dignity.
theIASHub | 05 Jun, 2025 | 2974
Manual scavengers are individuals engaged in the inhumane practice of manually cleaning, carrying, and disposing of human excreta from insanitary latrines, sewers, or septic tanks without protective equipment. Despite being banned under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, this practice persists in India, mainly affecting Dalits and marginalized communities.
The caste system lies at the root of this issue. Over 95% of manual scavengers in India belong to the Dalit community, forced into this work due to deep-rooted social hierarchies.
There is no comprehensive central or state-level database of manual scavengers, leading to under-reporting and poor implementation of laws. The informal nature of the work further hides the issue from public view.
A major factor sustaining the demand for manual scavengers is the lack of modern sanitation systems. The 2011 Census revealed over 2.6 million insanitary latrines being cleaned manually.
Illiteracy, lack of skills, and limited job opportunities trap manual scavengers in a vicious cycle. Government schemes often fail to provide viable alternatives, resulting in continuation of the practice.
State authorities have failed to enforce the law effectively. Weak monitoring, poor conviction rates, and a lack of empathy among officials make the Act toothless.
Manual scavengers suffer from respiratory diseases, skin infections, and even death due to toxic gases. The lack of safety equipment adds to the health hazards.
Manual scavengers face extreme social ostracization and are deemed "polluted". This impacts their access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Children of manual scavengers often face discrimination in schools and drop out early, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and manual scavenging.
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan aims to make India Open Defecation Free (ODF), but the reliance on manual scavengers undermines these sanitation efforts.
The World Bank estimates India loses 6.4% of its GDP due to poor sanitation. Ending manual scavenging is essential for economic and public health improvements.
Key laws include:
Create reliable databases to identify and monitor manual scavengers and their socio-economic background.
Ensure socio-economic upliftment by linking manual scavengers with schemes like PM Awas Yojana, Skill India, and Stand-Up India. Leverage NSKFDC for income-generating support.
Promote mechanized sewer cleaning and safety gear. Successful examples include Kerala’s Bandicoot Robot used for cleaning manholes.
Run awareness campaigns to eliminate caste-based biases through Nukkad Nataks, community events, and public sensitization drives.
Involve NGOs like Safai Karmachari Andolan, Sulabh International, Navsarjan Trust, and Jan Sahas for community-based efforts and policy support.
Ending the inhumane practice of manual scavenging is not just a legal or policy challenge—it is a moral imperative. Manual scavengers deserve dignity, safety, and equal opportunities. It is time to shift from tokenism to systemic change backed by data, technology, and compassion.
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