NHRC hosts discussion on ‘Dignity and Rights of Manual Scavengers’
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu:Bureau Chief
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New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, organized an open house discussion titled “Dignity and Liberty of the Individuals—Rights of Manual Scavengers” at its premises in New Delhi. The event, chaired by NHRC Chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian, gathered representatives from government bodies, NGOs, UN agencies, and experts to address the challenges faced by manual scavengers and propose actionable solutions for their welfare and empowerment.
Ongoing challenges despite legal measures
Justice V Ramasubramanian expressed concern over recurring deaths of sanitation workers, despite legislative, executive, and judicial efforts to eradicate manual scavenging. He underscored the necessity of studying the root causes and suggested initiating pilot projects to use technology, such as robots, for sewer and septic tank cleaning.
Setting the agenda: A call for mechanization and rehabilitation
NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal emphasized the need for mechanized cleaning processes across states, guided by the Supreme Court’s directives in Dr. Balram Singh vs. Union of India & Ors. He highlighted the disproportionate impact of manual scavenging on marginalized castes and communities.
Key sessions and expert contributions
The event included three technical sessions:
1. Addressing deaths in septic tanks: Discussed prevention measures and technological solutions.
2. Complete ban on manual scavenging: Focused on legislative and policy gaps.
3. Rehabilitation and empowerment: Explored pathways to dignity and sustainable livelihoods.
Speakers like Bezwada Wilson of the Safai Karamchari Andolan and UNICEF representatives underscored the need for robust reforms. Technological innovators and social workers proposed solutions to mechanize cleaning and empower affected communities.
Proposed recommendations for eradicating manual scavenging
The discussions led to key suggestions, including:
1. Better representation and ground-level monitoring for welfare programs.
2. Conducting surveys to ensure rehabilitation and fair wages.
3. Incentivizing mechanization and training women-led self-help groups.
4. Ensuring transparency in data, budget allocation, and awareness campaigns.
5. Providing safety gear and financial assistance for technological innovations.
6. Building a database for health insurance and education of affected individuals.
Future steps towards implementation
The NHRC plans to deliberate further on these recommendations to close gaps in legal and policy provisions, aiming for the eradication of manual scavenging and the rehabilitation of individuals engaged in hazardous cleaning tasks. The event reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to upholding dignity and ensuring justice for manual scavengers.