NHRC India Hosts Discussion on Rights of Manual Scavengers to Address Worker Deaths & Rehabilitation

(Judicial Quest News Network)

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India today organized a thought-provoking open house discussion in a hybrid format on the pressing issue of “Dignity and Liberty of Individuals – Rights of Manual Scavengers.” The event, held at NHRC’s headquarters in New Delhi, was chaired by NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, and attended by a distinguished panel of members, including. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, and Secretary General Bharat Lal. Other prominent figures included senior officers from NHRC, representatives from ministries, state governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), human rights defenders, UN agencies, private sector representatives, and research scholars.

Focus on Eradicating Sanitation Worker Deaths and Promoting Technological Solutions

The event aimed to shed light on the continuing challenge of manual scavenging and the lives of sanitation workers who remain exposed to hazardous conditions despite stringent laws prohibiting such practices. Justice Ramasubramanian expressed grave concern over the persistent deaths of sanitation workers, pointing out that these fatalities continue to occur even after the establishment of legal provisions designed to eradicate manual cleaning of sewage and septic tanks.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, he called for a deeper investigation into the root causes of these deaths to devise effective remedies. He also emphasized the need to explore innovative technological solutions to replace hazardous manual labour. Justice Ramasubramanian proposed initiating a pilot project using robots and advanced technology to clean sewer lines and septic tanks, beginning with one state as a model. The success of this project could potentially lead to its replication across other parts of the country, bringing long-term change to how sanitation workers are treated and how waste management is approached.

Government and State Efforts: Mechanization and Welfare Implementation

Opening the discussion, NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal provided an overview of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to track the implementation of mechanized cleaning processes across various states. He highlighted how states have been formulating up to three-year programs to address manual scavenging, following guidelines set by the Supreme Court in the landmark Dr. Balram Singh case. Additionally, Bharat Lal underlined the disproportionate impact of manual scavenging on certain castes and communities, which calls for more targeted interventions.

Key Sessions: Addressing Deaths, Banning Manual Scavenging, and Rehabilitation

The discussion was structured into three key technical sessions:

1. Addressing the Issue of Deaths in Septic and Sewer Tanks in India
2. The Need for a Complete Ban on Manual Scavenging
3. Rehabilitation Measures for Manual Scavengers: A Path Towards Dignity and Empowerment

Devendra Kumar Nim, NHRC Joint Secretary, emphasized that manual scavenging remains one of India’s most severe societal challenges, one that necessitates collective action from all sectors of society.

Experts Share Solutions and Best Practices

Among the notable speakers were Prabhat Kumar Singh, Managing Director of the National Safai Karamacharis Finance & Development Corporation, Bezwada Wilson, National Convenor of the Safai Karamchari Andholan, and UNICEF India specialists Sujoy Majumdar and Yusuf Kabir. These experts presented their insights on the critical issue, touching upon topics such as rehabilitation, the ban on manual scavenging, and the urgent need for dignity in sanitation work.

Other key contributors included Dr. Vinod Kumar from the Centre for Human Rights and Subaltern Studies at National Law University, Ms. Raj Kumari from Solinas Integrity Pvt. Ltd., Tamil Nadu, and Prof. Sheeva Dubey from FLAME University. Their expertise added significant depth to the discussions, particularly around the intersections of technology, legal reform, and empowerment for sanitation workers.

Key Suggestions for Moving Forward

Several valuable suggestions emerged from the discussions, all aimed at eliminating manual scavenging and ensuring the welfare of affected individuals. These include:

1. Increased Representation and Monitoring: Ensuring that there is adequate representation of affected communities at ground level for the successful implementation of welfare programs.
2. Rehabilitation and Minimum Wage Surveys: Conducting comprehensive surveys to track the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and ensure that sanitation workers receive their rightful wages.
3. Clarification in the 2013 Act: Creating a clear distinction between sanitation workers and manual scavengers to address specific needs more effectively.
4. Incentivizing Mechanization: Promoting mechanized solutions for cleaning hazardous waste, and training sanitation workers, with a special focus on empowering women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for sustainable livelihoods.
5. Transparency in Reporting: Increasing transparency in manual scavenging data, sewer worker death reporting, budget analysis, and awareness campaigns under schemes like SBM (Swachh Bharat Mission) and NAMASTE.
6. Capacity-Building Programs: Providing robust training to those involved in manual scavenging and sewer cleaning to transition them into safer and more dignified roles.
7. Supporting Technological Innovations: Offering financial assistance to innovators who are developing technologies for safer waste management practices.
8. Monitoring and Database Creation: Establishing a comprehensive database to track individuals involved in manual scavenging, which can help with offering health insurance, educational opportunities, and other welfare benefits.
9. Regulating De-sledging Operations: Implementing regulations for de-sledging markets and ensuring safety standards for workers.

The Road Ahead: Bridging Legal Gaps and Ensuring Effective Implementation

The NHRC emphasized that it would continue deliberating on these crucial suggestions in subsequent discussions to ensure that the legal and policy frameworks around manual scavenging are not only adhered to but strengthened. A concerted effort is required from all stakeholders to eliminate manual scavenging, uphold human dignity, and provide effective rehabilitation for those impacted by this practice. With ongoing advocacy and policy reforms, the goal is clear: to create a society where no individual is subjected to the degrading and unsafe work of manual scavenging.