The Union government has informed Parliament that “sewer and septic tank cleaning is an occupation-based activity,” not caste-based work. The first-ever survey on sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs), as reported by The Hindu, reveals that 92% of these workers belong to SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and OBC (Other Backward Caste), with only 8% from the general category.
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, was responding to Congress lawmaker Kuldeep Indora’s query about the status of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme, launched in 2023-24.
The survey covered 57,758 SSWs across the country, with 54,574 validated across 33 states and Union Territories. Data integration for states like Orissa and Tamil Nadu is underway.
Of the 92% of SSWs:
- SC workers: 37,060 (67.91%)
- OBC workers: 8,587 (15.73%)
- ST workers: 4,536 (8.31%)
- General category: 4,391 (8.05%)
“The Minister reiterated that sewer and septic tank cleaning is based on occupation, not caste”.
The Centre informed the Rajya Sabha on July 31st that 377 individuals died between 2019 and 2023 due to hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. However, Minister Athawale emphasized that manual scavenging, the practice of manually removing human excreta from sewers and septic tanks, is banned under the 2013 Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act.
What is NAMASTE SCHEME?
The NAMASTE scheme, launched in 2023-24 by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), is designed to ensure the safety, dignity, and empowerment of sanitation workers. Key actions under the scheme include:
- Distribution of 16,791 PPE kits and 43 safety kits for Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs).
- Issuance of Aayushman cards to 13,604 beneficiaries.
- Release of Rs 13.96 crore capital subsidy for 503 sanitation workers and their dependents for sanitation-related projects.
- Capital subsidy of Rs 2.85 crore for 226 beneficiaries from the manual scavenger category to start alternative self-employment projects.
- Conducting 837 workshops on the prevention of hazardous cleaning of sewer and septic tanks in municipal corporations and similar organizations.
What is “KARMAYOG”?
The Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta presents two ways of life: Sanyasyog and Karmayog. It declares that Karmayog, the path of active, selfless service, is superior to Sanyasyog, the path of renunciation. Karmayog involves worshiping the Supreme God while leading a family life.
The true way of worship is taught by true spiritual leaders, known as “Wakt Gurus,” who offer guidance according to the holy scriptures. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj ji is one such Wakt Guru, guiding followers to worship the Supreme God correctly.
For true spiritual knowledge, visit Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s YouTube channel.
FAQs on Sewer and Septic Tank Cleaning is Occupation
1. What is the NAMASTE scheme?
The NAMASTE scheme, launched in 2023-24 by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to ensure the safety, dignity, and empowerment of sanitation workers.
2. What does NAMASTE stand for?
National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem.
3. Who is the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment?
Ramdas Athawale.
4. When was manual scavenging banned and under which Act?
Manual scavenging was banned under the 2013 Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act.
5. What is the percentage of SSWs by caste?
SC: 37,060 (67.91%), OBC: 8,587 (15.73%), ST: 4,536 (8.31%), General: 4,391 (8.05%).
