Eradication of Manual Scavenging - Survey needed
New Delhi, 6 July 2005
Conducting a survey on the extent of manual scavenging existing in the respective States by the State Governments will not only provide accurate data but will go a long way in identifying and tackling this degrading practice. This was expressed by the National Human Rights Commission at a review meeting on eradication of manual scavenging held with senior officials of the Ministries of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation and Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India in New Delhi recently. Smt. Chitra Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation and Shri Narayanamurthy, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment represented their respective Ministries. Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission drew attention to the commitment made by the representatives of the State Governments at an earlier meeting held on 6 November 2003 that they would conduct a survey within a year and report to the NHRC. The Chairperson stated that a survey is vital as in the absence of accurate data the extent of the problem cannot be judged and the 2007 deadline for its eradication as envisaged in the National Action Plan for total eradication of manual scavenging cannot be met.
The Chairperson emphasized the need to involve the NGOs and Safai Karamcharis working in the area and not restrict itself to the individuals employed as scavengers, but take into account their dependants and the number of households where this practice exists. Regarding the survey, he stated that the survey should throw some light on the fact whether the person is the only one engaged in manual scavenging or his dependents or family members are also engaged in it.
Justice Anand said that the feedback received by the NHRC from the various States is scanty and implementation wanting and there is no mention by the State Governments as to whether manual scavenging exists in rural areas, a point which needs to be addressed considering a large part of India's population lives in the villages. He also expressed his concern that the responses elicited from the States do not indicate whether training and rehabilitation has been given to the identified scavengers.
The Commission proposes to call a meeting of the States shortly. In the last meeting held in November 2003, the States were requested to conduct proper surveys, as the baseline data was scanty. The States were to set six-monthly targets for converting dry latrines and constructing new latrines. The States were also asked to render proper accounts for the money they received from the Centre.
The Chairperson urged the Central Government to be innovative in their approach to the problem. The UE&PA Ministry was requested to send a report after the meeting of the Welfare Ministers' Conference, which was held on 22 June 2005.
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Conducting a survey on the extent of manual scavenging existing in the respective States by the State Governments will not only provide accurate data but will go a long way in identifying and tackling this degrading practice. This was expressed by the National Human Rights Commission at a review meeting on eradication of manual scavenging held with senior officials of the Ministries of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation and Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India in New Delhi recently. Smt. Chitra Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation and Shri Narayanamurthy, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment represented their respective Ministries. Dr. Justice A.S. Anand, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission drew attention to the commitment made by the representatives of the State Governments at an earlier meeting held on 6 November 2003 that they would conduct a survey within a year and report to the NHRC. The Chairperson stated that a survey is vital as in the absence of accurate data the extent of the problem cannot be judged and the 2007 deadline for its eradication as envisaged in the National Action Plan for total eradication of manual scavenging cannot be met.
The Chairperson emphasized the need to involve the NGOs and Safai Karamcharis working in the area and not restrict itself to the individuals employed as scavengers, but take into account their dependants and the number of households where this practice exists. Regarding the survey, he stated that the survey should throw some light on the fact whether the person is the only one engaged in manual scavenging or his dependents or family members are also engaged in it.
Justice Anand said that the feedback received by the NHRC from the various States is scanty and implementation wanting and there is no mention by the State Governments as to whether manual scavenging exists in rural areas, a point which needs to be addressed considering a large part of India's population lives in the villages. He also expressed his concern that the responses elicited from the States do not indicate whether training and rehabilitation has been given to the identified scavengers.
The Commission proposes to call a meeting of the States shortly. In the last meeting held in November 2003, the States were requested to conduct proper surveys, as the baseline data was scanty. The States were to set six-monthly targets for converting dry latrines and constructing new latrines. The States were also asked to render proper accounts for the money they received from the Centre.
The Chairperson urged the Central Government to be innovative in their approach to the problem. The UE&PA Ministry was requested to send a report after the meeting of the Welfare Ministers' Conference, which was held on 22 June 2005.
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