Centre Claims No Manual Scavenging Reports from States, UTs

rapid Summary:

• Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, informed the Lok Sabha that no reports of manual scavenging have been received from States or Union Territories since its prohibition under the Prohibition of Employment as manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
• A social audit commissioned in September 2023 revealed sanitation worker deaths due to hazardous cleaning practices in sewers and septic tanks across 17 districts in eight states, including Maharashtra.
• The audit identified failures to adhere to safety procedures mandated by the 2013 Act. Governments are directed to investigate deaths and enforce penalties under Section 7.
• The NAMASTE scheme (2023-24) was launched to ensure sewer workers’ safety and dignity through measures such as PPE kits, health cards, occupational training, subsidies for sanitation machinery, workshops on safe cleaning methods, and emergency response safety devices.
• Separate efforts are underway by the ministry for expanding drug de-addiction services through District De-addiction Centres (DDACs) covering underserved districts.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The affirmation that no official reports of manual scavenging incidents have been received reflects progress regarding enforcement of the ban under the 2013 legislation. however, findings from a recent social audit underscore ongoing concerns over sanitation worker fatalities caused by unsafe practices-a poignant reminder that systemic gaps persist despite regulatory safeguards.

The NAMASTE initiative addresses a critical infrastructural need while focusing on human dignity-an essential step toward mechanized solutions for sewer cleaning operations nationwide. Its success depends on efficient implementation across diverse urban landscapes where hazardous conditions still prevail.

Additionally,separate commitments toward addressing substance addiction issues signal an inclusive agenda catering to broader public health priorities. These initiatives together highlight concerted efforts linking social justice with structural reform but call for consistent monitoring mechanisms alongside awareness campaigns among vulnerable groups.

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