The Supreme Court said claims of fraternity equality and dignity among the citizens remain a mere illusion if a sizeable section of society is forced to enter sewers to live and die trapped in them even a decade after the outlawing of the inhuman practice of manual scavenging.

The court enhanced the compensation payable for sewer deaths to 30 lakhs from the earlier 10 lakhs.

Manual scavenging is a hazardous and dehumanizing practice that involves the cleaning, collection, and disposal of human waste, often from dry latrines and open defecation areas, using brooms, buckets, and baskets.

This practice is usually performed by individuals from marginalized communities, particularly in developing countries.

Manual scavengers, also known as sanitation workers, face extremely harsh working conditions and significant health risks, as they come into direct contact with human excreta.

Key points about manual scavenging:

1. Health Hazards: Manual scavengers are exposed to various health hazards, including the risk of contracting diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. They are also susceptible to respiratory and skin diseases due to the handling of sewage and waste.
2. Caste-Based Discrimination: In many countries, manual scavenging is often linked to caste-based discrimination and social hierarchies. Those engaged in manual scavenging are typically from the lowest strata of society and face social ostracism.
3. Legislation and Prohibition: Many countries have passed laws and regulations to ban manual scavenging. For example, in India, the "Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act" was enacted in 2013 to prohibit this practice and provide for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers.
4. Challenges in Eradication: Despite legal prohibitions, manual scavenging continues to persist due to various socio-economic and cultural factors. Lack of alternative livelihood options for those engaged in manual scavenging remains a significant challenge.
5. Rehabilitation: Eradicating manual scavenging requires a comprehensive approach that not only bans the practice but also provides rehabilitation and alternative employment opportunities for those affected. This may include skill training, education, and other forms of support.
6. Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about the inhumanity and health risks associated with manual scavenging is essential to change societal attitudes and end the practice.

Efforts to eliminate manual scavenging are ongoing, but it remains a deeply entrenched issue in many regions. Addressing this problem requires a multi-faceted approach that includes legislative measures, social reform, economic empowerment, and awareness campaigns.

The "Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act" is an important piece of legislation enacted in India to address the issue of manual scavenging and provide for the rehabilitation of individuals engaged in this practice.

The Act was passed by the Indian government in 2013 and is officially known as "The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013."

Key provisions and objectives of the Act include:

1. Prohibition of Manual Scavenging: The Act explicitly prohibits the employment of individuals as manual scavengers. It prohibits both the engagement of manual scavengers and the construction of dry latrines, which are the primary places where this practice occurs.
2. Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers: The Act emphasizes the rehabilitation of manual scavengers by providing them with alternative employment opportunities, livelihood support, and skill training. It also includes provisions for their education and housing.
3. Identification of Manual Scavengers: Local authorities are responsible for conducting surveys and identifying manual scavengers in their respective areas. These surveys are crucial for determining the number of manual scavengers who need rehabilitation.
4. Self-Employment Projects: The Act promotes the creation of self-employment projects for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers. These projects can include vocational training and financial support to help former scavengers transition to alternative livelihoods.
5. Monitoring and Enforcement: The Act establishes monitoring mechanisms and authorities to ensure its proper implementation. It imposes penalties on individuals or authorities who violate the provisions of the Act.
6. Public Awareness: The Act recognizes the importance of creating public awareness to eliminate the social stigma associated with manual scavenging and to promote dignity and respect for those involved.

The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act is part of a broader effort in India to eradicate manual scavenging and promote sanitation and dignity for all citizens.

It reflects the government's commitment to addressing the deeply entrenched issue of manual scavenging and ensuring the welfare of individuals previously engaged in this degrading practice. However, the effectiveness of the Act depends on its proper implementation and enforcement at the state and local levels.

Manual scavenging is a deeply entrenched and multifaceted issue that presents several challenges and problems. Some of the key issues related to manual scavenging include:

1. Degrading and Hazardous Work: Manual scavenging is not only dehumanizing but also extremely hazardous. Workers come into direct contact with human waste, exposing them to a high risk of contracting various diseases. The work often involves handling toxic chemicals and materials, which can lead to serious health problems.
2. Caste-Based Discrimination: Manual scavenging is often tied to caste-based discrimination, particularly in countries like India. Workers engaged in this practice are typically from the lowest caste or marginalized communities and face social ostracism. This perpetuates the cycle of poverty and discrimination.
3. Legal Prohibition: Although many countries have laws that prohibit manual scavenging, the enforcement of these laws remains a significant challenge. The persistence of the practice is often due to a lack of political will, weak enforcement, and the absence of viable alternatives for those involved.
4. Lack of Alternatives: Many individuals who engage in manual scavenging do so because they lack access to alternative employment opportunities. Eliminating manual scavenging requires creating alternative livelihood options and offering skill training and education to affected individuals.
5. Health Risks: Workers in manual scavenging are exposed to a range of health risks, including infectious diseases, respiratory issues, skin problems, and chemical exposure. These risks have long-term consequences for their health and well-being.
6. Social Stigma: Manual scavengers and their families often face social stigma and isolation due to the nature of their work. This can affect their mental health and overall quality of life.
7. Inadequate Protective Gear: In many cases, manual scavengers are not provided with proper protective gear and equipment to carry out their work safely. This lack of equipment exacerbates the health risks they face.
8. Inadequate Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation programs for manual scavengers are often inadequate or poorly implemented. This includes the lack of access to alternative employment, education, and housing, which are essential components of rehabilitation efforts.
9. Data and Identification Challenges: Accurately identifying and counting manual scavengers is challenging due to social stigma, hidden work, and the reluctance of affected individuals to come forward. This makes it difficult to assess the scale of the problem and effectively target interventions.
10. Gender Disparities: Women are often overrepresented in manual scavenging, and they face additional vulnerabilities and risks due to their involvement in this practice. Gender-specific issues need to be considered in efforts to eradicate manual scavenging.

Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that combines legal measures, social reform, awareness campaigns, rehabilitation efforts, and the creation of alternative employment opportunities.

It also demands a change in societal attitudes and a commitment to promoting dignity, equality, and the well-being of those previously engaged in manual scavenging.

The eradication of manual scavenging is a complex and challenging task that requires a multi-pronged approach involving governments, civil society, and various stakeholders. Here are some ways forward for addressing and eliminating manual scavenging:

1. Strict Enforcement of Existing Laws: Governments should rigorously enforce existing laws that prohibit manual scavenging and the construction of insanitary latrines. Penalties for violations should be applied consistently to act as a deterrent.
2. Amend and Strengthen Legislation: Legislation can be amended and strengthened to close loopholes and address emerging issues. Laws should be made more comprehensive and better aligned with international human rights standards.
3. Identify and Rehabilitate Manual Scavengers: Conduct thorough surveys and identify individuals engaged in manual scavenging. This is critical for ensuring proper rehabilitation and livelihood support. Transparent data collection and monitoring mechanisms should be established.
4. Promote Alternative Livelihoods: Provide alternative employment opportunities and skill development programs to manual scavengers. Vocational training, financial support, and access to credit can help them transition to dignified and sustainable work.
5. Awareness Campaigns: Launch extensive public awareness campaigns to educate society about the inhumanity of manual scavenging and the need to end this practice. Changing societal attitudes and eliminating the social stigma associated with manual scavenging is crucial.
6. Gender Sensitivity: Recognize the gender-specific challenges faced by women engaged in manual scavenging. Develop targeted programs that address their unique needs and vulnerabilities.
7. Mechanization of Sanitation Work: Invest in the mechanization of sanitation work to reduce the need for manual scavenging. Modern technologies can be used for cleaning and maintaining sanitation infrastructure, making it safer and more efficient.
8. Community Involvement: Engage local communities and stakeholders in the process of eliminating manual scavenging. Local authorities, NGOs, and community leaders can play a pivotal role in driving change.
9. Education and Skill Development: Promote education and skill development among individuals engaged in manual scavenging and their children. Education can break the cycle of generational involvement in this practice.
10. Monitoring and Accountability: Establish independent bodies or agencies responsible for monitoring and evaluating the progress of anti-manual scavenging initiatives. Hold authorities accountable for fulfilling their obligations.
11. International Collaboration: Seek support and collaboration from international organizations and agencies to learn from global best practices in sanitation and waste management.
12. Research and Data Collection: Invest in research to better understand the issue, gather data, and analyze trends. This data can inform evidence-based policies and strategies.
13. Political Will: Political leaders and governments must demonstrate a strong commitment to eradicating manual scavenging. This includes allocating adequate resources and prioritizing the issue in government agendas.
14. Inclusivity and Empowerment: Empower manual scavengers to participate in decision-making processes related to their own rehabilitation and the formulation of policies. Ensure that their voices are heard.

The eradication of manual scavenging is not only a legal and policy issue but also a societal and cultural one.

It requires a sustained and collaborative effort to address the deep-rooted social inequalities and discrimination that underlie this practice.

Success will be measured by the elimination of manual scavenging and the holistic rehabilitation and empowerment of those affected by it.