Dec-16Ethi

Question 1

Dec-16Ethi -Index

Answer 1

9.1. MANUAL SCAVENGING

Question 2

9.1. MANUAL SCAVENGING

Answer 2

Background
 Caste based discrimination is deeply entrenched in the Indian society even today. The discrimination subjugates the lower castes of their right to better opportunities.
 Manual scavenging has been the job of the lower caste i.e. Dalits.
 The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 sets imprisonment of up to one year and a fine of Rs 2000 rupees for pushing a person to manual scavenging.
 The law was re-enacted as The Prohibition of Employment As Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act in 2013.
 In March 2014, Supreme Court ruled that for death caused by entering a sewer even in an emergency situation, a compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs must be given to the family of the deceased.
 Amendments to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 2016 made it a criminal offence to make a Dalit/ Adivasi do manual scavenging.
 A monetary compensation of Rs. 1 lakh is to be paid to the victim upon registration of a FIR.
 According to the socio-economic caste census data of 2015, there are as many as 1, 80,675 households that are engaged in manual scavenging.
 Despite tighter norms and laws, manual scavenging is a reality today.
Ethical Issues/Challenges
 Is it fair to make a human clean another human’s waste and excreta? It promotes structural superiority and violence.
 Manual scavenging is closely related to caste discrimination. People are made to do these jobs just because they were born in a certain caste.
 Thus it gives no value to human potential and his inherent qualities.
 It puts a person’s life at risk thereby violating his right to live with human dignity.
Recommendations
 Manual scavenging and dry latrines must be completely abolished. Stringent laws and cross check systems must be put in place to ensure compliance.
 Mechanical cleaning of sewers, toilets must be adopted. Proper drainage system must be put in place.
 Penalty should be imposed for the ones who do not have septic tanks or who do not maintain proper drainage and cleaning systems.
 Social influencing through prominent personalities and film stars must be done so as to promote self cleaning.
 Compensation and rehabilitation of the manual scavengers must be done.
 Better jobs for manual scavengers through MNREGA and Skill India initiative.
 Waste management systems must be adopted. R&D must be carried out to use the excreta as compost and harness energy through it.