Dr Justice A.S. Anand Chairperson National Human Rights Commission has stated that the eradication of manual scavenging has been painfully slow and that there is a need for total commitment and absolute dedication in order to tackle this degrading practice.
Speaking at the review meeting on the eradication of manual scavenging held with representatives of the Central and State Governments in New Delhi on 25th February 2006, he called on the states to have six monthly targets for conversion of dry latrines to wet latrines, construction of new latrines and for rehabilitation of manual scavengers. He said that at present it seems achieving the goal of eradication of manual scavenging by 2007 envisaged in the National Plan of Action seems distant. He stressed on the need for a survey especially in the rural areas to determine the extent of the practice and to ensure that the liberated scavengers are properly rehabilitated. Justice Anand stated proper vocational training in areas other than sanitation should be given to the liberated scavengers so that they are properly integrated in the society. For this society's mindset should change so as to ensure that the person who had been a scavenger does not continue to face the stigma. He also called on the governments to make full use of the services of the NGOs who could give valuable assistance, as they are aware of the ground realities.
Representatives from the States/UTs of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, NCT of Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, West Bengal, Chandigarh, attended the meeting. Besides the State government officials the meeting saw the participation of officials from Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment Govt. of India, HUDCO and Sulabh International.
The NHRC has been actively pursuing the need to end the degrading practice of manual scavenging in the country. It has taken up this matter with Central and State Governments through a series of personal interventions and meetings. The NHRC has been monitoring this problem with respect to the Adoption of the Employment of Manual Scavengers & Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, carrying out of a survey to identify the number of scavengers and their dependents, imparting of training to the liberated scavengers, rehabilitation under the prescribed funding pattern and making provision in building by-laws not to sanction new building without provision of pour flush latrines.
The Commission has found that surveys have not been carried out in most of the states nor have identified scavengers in most cases been properly rehabilitated. At present dry latrines still exist in certain areas of the country.