National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)

About National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)

• The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) is a non- statutory body established under the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act 1993.
• It acts as the primary national monitoring body that tracks data and reviews compensation regarding sewer and septic tank deaths in India.
• Formation: The Commission functioned as a statutory body until 2004, when the law lapsed.
  • Nodal ministry: Since 2004, it has been operated as a non-statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice, with its tenure extended periodically.
• Present Tenure: The tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) was extended for three years beyond 31.03.2025 (i.e. upto 31.03.2028).
• Composition: It consists of 1 Chairperson, 1 Vice-Chairperson, and 5 members, including a lady member, with prescribed ranks/statuses equivalent to senior Central Government officials.  It also has a Secretary (Joint Secretary rank) and supporting staff to assist in its functioning.
• Functions of the Commission
  • It monitors the implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
  • It also monitors their working conditions, including health, safety, and wages.
  • It recommends programmes to the Central Government to eliminate inequalities faced by Safai Karmacharis.
  • It reviews the implementation of schemes for their social and economic rehabilitation.
  • It investigates grievances and take suo-motu action on non-implementation of welfare schemes, guidelines, and upliftment measures.
  • It submits reports and recommendations to the Central and State Governments on issues affecting Safai Karmacharis