Political Desk, Delhi Magazine, August 9, 2024 — Yesterday, members of the Safai Karamchari Andolan (SKA) and individuals directly affected by the practice of manual scavenging met with the Leader of Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi, in his Parliament office. The meeting aimed to shed light on the persistent and hazardous conditions faced by those involved in this inhumane practice, despite official claims by the Modi government that manual scavenging has been eradicated from the country.
During the meeting, SKA representatives shared distressing accounts of the struggles faced by manual scavengers across India. Contrary to government assertions, the reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture. According to official figures, 377 people have tragically lost their lives while cleaning sewers and septic tanks in the past five years. These numbers underscore the dire need for governmental intervention and policy reform to address the ongoing safety hazards and social stigmatization faced by manual scavengers.
Shri Rahul Gandhi expressed his concern over the alarming statistics and pledged his support to the movement. He emphasized the need for a national dialogue on the issue, calling on the government to acknowledge the continued existence of manual scavenging and take concrete steps to eliminate it. “The safety and dignity of every Indian citizen should be paramount,” he stated. “It is imperative that the government confronts this harsh reality and works towards ensuring a better life for these marginalized communities.”
The SKA has long been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and dignity of manual scavengers, tirelessly working to bring attention to their plight. Despite several laws and Supreme Court rulings banning the practice, manual scavenging persists in various parts of the country, often due to socio-economic pressures and the lack of alternative livelihood opportunities for those involved.
The organization also highlighted the urgent need for rehabilitation and compensation for the families of those who have lost their lives while engaged in this hazardous work. They urged the government to implement stricter enforcement of existing laws and provide adequate resources for the transition of manual scavengers into safer and more dignified employment.
The meeting with Shri Rahul Gandhi is seen as a significant step in drawing national attention to the issue, with the hope that it will lead to meaningful change and the eventual eradication of manual scavenging in India. The SKA and other advocacy groups continue to push for a more compassionate and realistic approach to addressing this ongoing human rights issue, with the ultimate goal of ensuring safety, dignity, and justice for all.