Source: The post is based on an article “Murder in the Sewer” published in The Hindu on 27th August 2022.
Syllabus: GS 2 – Laws and mechanisms for the protection of the vulnerable sections
News: This article discusses the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, and the issues associated with manual scavenging.
Tamil Nadu recently notified the rules of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
What does Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 say?
Manual scavenging is completely prohibited. However, the rules allow manual cleaning in conditions where mechanical equipment cannot be deployed, or when it is absolutely necessary to have human intervention.
It specifies a long list of protective devices and gear for the person engaged to clean a sewer or a septic tank such as airline breathing apparatus, and an airline respirator among others.
It also says that employers should provide devices such as chlorine masks, emergency medical oxygen resuscitator kits, first aid, etc.
It has mandated the regular maintenance of the equipment and devices.
What are the issues with manual scavenging?
Sewage cleaning involves working with human excreta, and it invokes the concept of dignity of labor.
The task of removing excreta and cleaning sewers by humans when machines are able to do the work is a gross violation of rights.
According to the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry, 971 people lost their lives while cleaning sewers or septic tanks since 1993. It was the year when the law prohibiting the employment of manual scavengers was enacted.
Tamil Nadu is among the top States on the list.
The reason for such death is the lack of prevention measures from the poisonous gases.
What should be the future course of action?
There should be proper implementation and monitoring of the rules.
Compensation should be given to the family members of those who have died and they should be provided with better profession opportunities.
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