Manual scavenging

Passing the faecal sludge to the top of the pit latrine

Manual scavenging is the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of, or handling in any manner, human excreta from dry latrines and sewers. It often involves using the most basic of tools such as buckets, brooms, and baskets. Manual scavenging is linked to a caste-based system where so-called lower castes are expected to perform this degrading and hazardous job. It has been recognized as a dehumanizing practice by various human rights organizations and has been officially prohibited in several countries, including India, where it continues to exist despite legal bans.

History

The practice of manual scavenging has deep roots in the caste system of India, where it has been traditionally assigned to certain communities deemed lower in the caste hierarchy. These communities, often referred to as Dalits, have been marginalized and forced into manual scavenging for generations, making it difficult for them to break out of this cycle due to social stigma and lack of alternative employment opportunities.

Health and Safety Risks

Manual scavengers are exposed to various health hazards including infections such as hepatitis, cholera, and leptospirosis. The work involves direct contact with human waste without adequate protective gear, leading to severe health implications and, in some cases, fatalities due to asphyxiation or accidents when working in sewers and septic tanks.

Legal Framework and Initiatives

In an effort to eradicate manual scavenging, the Government of India enacted the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act in 1993, which was later amended and strengthened by the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act in 2013. These laws provide a legal framework for the prohibition of manual scavenging, rehabilitation of those involved in the practice, and the promotion of alternative forms of sanitation that do not involve human handling of excreta.

Despite these legal measures, the enforcement of laws has been lax, and manual scavenging persists in various parts of India, often in more covert forms. The government and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have launched schemes and rehabilitation programs aimed at training and providing alternative employment to manual scavengers. However, the success of these initiatives has been limited by social stigma and the lack of sustainable employment options.

Social Impact

The practice of manual scavenging has a profound social impact, reinforcing caste-based discrimination and social exclusion. Manual scavengers are often ostracized from society, facing discrimination in housing, education, and employment outside their traditional occupation. This social stigma extends to their families, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and marginalization.

International Perspective

While manual scavenging is most prevalent in India, similar practices exist in other parts of the world, often under different names and contexts. International human rights organizations have condemned manual scavenging as a violation of human dignity and have called for global efforts to eradicate it.

Conclusion

Manual scavenging is not just a sanitation issue but a complex socio-economic and human rights challenge that requires a multifaceted approach for its eradication. This includes strict enforcement of existing laws, social rehabilitation of those involved, and the promotion of alternative, dignified forms of sanitation work. Achieving this goal necessitates a collective effort from governments, civil society, and the international community to address the root causes of manual scavenging and ensure the dignity and rights of all individuals are respected.

Manual scavenging Resources
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