Answer:

Introduction:

Manual scavenging is not just an occupation but a symbol of historical injustice and social stigma entrenched in Indian society. Despite legal frameworks, the persistence of this practice is a glaring example of the gap between legislation and implementation, influenced by social, economic, and political factors

Body:

Continuation Factors

• Social Stigma and Caste System: The practice is inextricably linked to the caste system, where so-called lower castes are expected to perform such degrading tasks. The law might have ended manual scavenging as employment, but the associated stigma and discrimination continue, hindering the transition to other livelihoods​​.
• Economic Vulnerability: Many engaged in manual scavenging come from economically vulnerable backgrounds. A study showed that sanitation workers are poorly and irregularly paid, sometimes in kind rather than cash. This economic desperation forces them into such hazardous jobs​​.
• Lack of Enforcement and Implementation: There’s a significant gap in the implementation of laws. For instance, over 400 deaths were reported from 2018 to 2023 while cleaning septic tanks and sewers, indicating the ongoing risk and prevalence of manual scavenging​​. Furthermore, the distinction made by the Indian government between manual scavenging and cleaning sewers and septic tanks has led to a lack of comprehensive enforcement​​.
• Technological and Infrastructural Limitations: Despite efforts, the use of sewage cleaning machines is not widespread. Narrow lanes and poorly designed septic tanks often prevent effective mechanization of sewage cleaning​​.

Measures to Address the Problem

• Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Amending laws to make machine cleaning mandatory and imposing stringent penalties for manual scavenging can help deter the practice. The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill, 2020, aims to modernize sewage systems and establish a more mechanized cleaning process​​.
• Social Sensitization: Addressing the social roots of manual scavenging is crucial. Acknowledging and understanding how it is embedded in the caste system can help in devising effective solutions​​.
• Economic Empowerment and Rehabilitation: Providing alternative employment opportunities and financial support to those leaving manual scavenging is essential. The government’s push for toilet facilities aims to reduce the need for manual scavenging, coupled with NGOs working to train workers for other vocations​​.
• Improving Safety and Working Conditions: Ensuring proper safety gear and equipment for sanitation workers is crucial. The government must enforce safety regulations rigorously to prevent accidents and fatalities​​.

Conclusion:

The eradication of manual scavenging in India requires a multifaceted approach, addressing not only the legal and economic aspects but also the deep-seated social stigma associated with it. It calls for sincere and concerted efforts from the government, civil society, and the community at large to ensure the dignity and safety of those forced into this inhumane practice. While legal measures provide a framework, the real change will come through societal transformation, economic empowerment, and strict enforcement of safety regulations.

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