Why Manual scavenging remains a pressing issue in India?

 

Where do you think he's going?
He's stepping into a septic tank—a chamber filled with toxic gases and deadly chemicals that can take a life in seconds.
And yet, he goes in with no protective suit, no helmet, and no safety gear.
The mask he wears? Merely symbolic. It offers no real protection.
Why does the system continue to fail him?
Why the most basic safety measures are still a distant dream for those doing the most dangerous work?

Manual scavenging remains a pressing issue in India, despite legal prohibitions and various government initiatives aimed at its eradication.
📊 The Hidden Truth: Data vs. Reality
• Underreported Figures: While the government claims that manual scavenging has been eradicated, data indicates otherwise. Between 2019 and 2023, 377 individuals died due to hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. Since 1993, over 1,200 such deaths have been reported, with Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi accounting for the highest numbers .(Business Standard, The Tribune)
• Caste-Based Discrimination: Approximately 97% of manual scavengers belong to the Dalit community, highlighting the deep-rooted caste-based nature of this practice .(LSE Blogs)

Current Status
• Prevalence: As of July 2024, 732 out of 766 districts have reported themselves as manual scavenging-free. (Drishti IAS)
• Health Risks: Manual scavengers often work without protective gear, exposing them to hazardous conditions that can lead to serious health issues, including asphyxiation from toxic gases in septic tanks. (Drishti IAS)
• Social Implications: The practice predominantly affects marginalized communities, reinforcing social stigmas and economic disparities. (Drishti IAS)
Government Initiatives
• NAMASTE Scheme: Launched to eliminate manual scavenging by promoting mechanized sanitation and providing rehabilitation support to affected workers. (Drishti IAS)
• Supreme Court Directives: In January 2025, the Supreme Court ordered a complete ban on manual scavenging in six major metropolitan cities, emphasizing the need for mechanization and worker safety. (India Today)

⚠️ Systemic Challenges
• Health Hazards: Manual scavengers often work without protective gear, exposing them to toxic substances and life-threatening conditions. The life expectancy for these workers can be as low as 40 years.(The Sun)
• Inadequate Rehabilitation: Despite schemes like the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS), only a fraction of identified manual scavengers have received skill development training or financial assistance .(Haqdarshak)
• Poor Implementation of Mechanization: The National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) aims to eliminate manual scavenging through mechanization. However, its implementation has been inconsistent, with only a portion of the targeted workers being profiled and assisted .(Frontline)

• Enforcement Gaps: Despite existing laws, enforcement remains weak, with instances of manual scavenging still reported in various regions. (ForumIAS)
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Lack of adequate sewage and drainage systems perpetuates the need for manual cleaning methods. (Drishti IAS)
• Social Stigma: Deep-rooted caste-based discrimination continues to hinder the social reintegration of manual scavengers into more dignified occupations. (Next IAS)

🛠️ Steps Forward
• Enhanced Enforcement: Strict enforcement of existing laws is crucial to prevent the continuation of manual scavenging practices.
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Effective rehabilitation programs, including skill development and financial support, must be accessible to all affected individuals.(Drishti IAS)
• Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the plight of manual scavengers can help in reducing stigma and promoting societal integration.
Addressing manual scavenging requires a multifaceted approach that combines

Legal enforcement, social reform, and economic support to eradicate this inhumane practice and restore dignity to those affected.

While strides have been made towards eliminating manual scavenging, sustained efforts in enforcement, infrastructure development, and social reform are essential to fully eradicate this practice and ensure the dignity and safety of all sanitation workers. Manual scavenging persists in India despite being outlawed, revealing a stark contrast between official narratives and the lived realities of many sanitation workers.

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