The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Justice Shri J.S. Verma, on the eve of Independence Day, wrote to the Prime Minister and to the Chief Ministers of all States drawing their attention to the inhuman and degrading practice of manual handling of night-soil which is unfortunately still prevalent in many parts of the country.

In his letter to the Prime Minister, the Chairperson has said, “It is a matter of national shame that despite over half a century of our independence, the inhuman practice of manual scavenging continues.” He urged the Prime Minister to take effective steps to eradicate this practice without any further delay.

The National Human Rights Commission, since its inception, has taken up this issue at various forums. The former Chairpersons of the Commission, Justice Ranganatha Misra and Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah and later the present Chairperson Justice J.S. Verma had written to the Chief Ministers of the States on earlier occasions too, asking them to expeditiously abolish the practice of manual scavenging. The Commission regrets that inspite of all its efforts; manual scavenging continues to remain widespread. In his letter to the Prime Minister, the Chairperson has said “The Commission is constraint to believe that the requisite sensitivity and commitment is lacking”. The Chairperson also added “As a significant step towards its eradication, as well as an important significant symbolic gesture, it may be appropriate that everyone under your leadership, were to take action to ensure that while 2 October 2002 the scourge of manual scavenging is eradicated”.

The National Human Rights Commission has suggested to both the Central and State Governments that various measures are needed to be taken, such as adoption and strict implementation of the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Constructions of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 by States, and replacement of dry latrines by pour flush latrines. It is a matter of regret that the response has been both uneven and inadequate.

In his letter to the Chief Ministers, the Chairperson has said, “I am afraid it appears to be the result of lack of sensitivity and the needed commitment to the cause. While I appreciate that translation of intend into administrative action may take time, it can hardly be disputed that half-a-century is a long enough period to achieve this result, so important for `assuring the dignity of the individual’, promised by the Constitution of India”.

The Chairperson has also called for personal intervention of the Chief Ministers in ensuring this laudable object and in ensuring that by 2 October 2002, all dry latrines are converted into pour flush latrines and construction of any dwelling house or building not having pour flush latrines, is not permitted.