https://countercurrents.org/2022/09/manual-scavenging-deep-rooted-problem-in-india/
In India, caste plays a major role in determining the work and dignity of the individual. Caste did not effect the individual at later stages of life, but since the first cry of the child in this world. There are many sections in the society which are marginalized politically, socially, economically, psychologically. In India, this discriminatory sections particularly include women, dalits, minorities, and adivasis. Some of these are restricted to a particular area and the profession, for eg: The work of manual scavenging engages people who are of dalit identity.
The Hindu in 2019, reported that “814 deaths of manual scavengers engaged in cleaning sewers and septic tanks have been recorded in India from 1993 to July 2019 in 20 States and UTs. Of these 20 States, details of compensation received by the family of the deceased is available for only 11 States”. The lack of data becomes a major restricting factors in today’s world where every decision is influenced by data directly or indirectly. This factor of unavailability or lack of data works as a shield for government and barred them from being accountable. The same can be witnessed through the recent declaration by the government in the Parliament, whereby “no deaths due to manual scavenging per se were reported in the country; however, 941 deaths were reported while the cleaning of sewer/septic tanks”[iii].
by Arpita Paliya
27/09/2022
read more