Social justice ยท GS2
Manual-scavenging survey and NAMASTE validation
One line
The government reported no manual scavengers identified in a fresh survey and 89,915 sewer and septic-tank workers validated under NAMASTE.
Summary
A zero survey result is not proof that hazardous sanitation work has disappeared. Identification methods, worker trust, mechanisation, protective equipment, rehabilitation, and enforcement determine real change.
PYQ pattern
UPSC often tests the institution, legal basis, mechanism, and implementation limits behind this issue. Use the official UPSC question-paper archive.
Core notes
- The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 prohibits specified practices and provides rehabilitation measures.
- NAMASTE focuses on safety and dignity for sanitation workers, including sewer and septic-tank workers.
- Survey definitions and self-reporting can affect identification.
Prelims lens
- Manual scavenging and hazardous sewer entry are related but legally distinct categories.
- The Supreme Court has treated sewer deaths as a serious rights and accountability issue.
- Separate the announcement from measured outcomes.
MCQ 1
Consider the following statements:
- Manual scavenging and hazardous sewer entry are related but legally distinct categories.
- A survey finding of zero proves that no prohibited or hazardous sanitation work occurs anywhere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 makes a broader claim that the law, institution, or evidence does not support.
MCQ 2
Which response most directly reduces sewer-entry deaths?
- A. Mechanisation with strict safety protocols
- B. Unprotected entry
- C. No incident reporting
- D. Removing worker training
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Mechanisation with strict safety protocols is the correct relationship for this topic.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: Why should sanitation-worker policy combine prohibition, identification, mechanisation, and rehabilitation?
Approach:
- Define the mechanism and its institutional setting.
- Explain the current significance.
- Examine implementation limits and distributional effects.
- Suggest specific safeguards and measurable outcomes.