Supreme Court of India Calls for Immediate End to Manual Scavenging in Metro Cities
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The Supreme Court of India has recently called for an immediate end to manual scavenging, particularly focusing on metropolitan cities. This directive is part of a broader effort to eradicate the practice, which has been recognized as a violation of human dignity and a caste-based form of oppression.The Supreme Court has issued several key directives to ensure compliance with this call:
Ban on Manual Scavenging: The Court has explicitly banned manual scavenging and manual sewer cleaning in six metropolitan cities. This includes the use of human labor for cleaning sewers and septic tanks, a practice that has led to numerous fatalities and health issues for those involved.
Compensation Increase: The Court has increased the compensation for deaths resulting from sewer cleaning to Rs 30 lakh, up from the previous Rs 10 lakh. This increase is intended to provide greater financial support to the families of victims.
Documentation and Reporting: The Central Government has been ordered to document its measures to stop manual scavenging and to report regularly on the progress made in eradicating the practice. This includes the use of technology and mechanized cleaning to replace manual labor.
State and Union Government Responsibilities: Both the Union Government and State Governments have been directed to ensure the complete eradication of manual scavenging. This includes strict enforcement of the ban and the implementation of rehabilitation programs.
These directives reflect the Supreme Court's ongoing efforts to address the systemic issues associated with manual scavenging and to uphold the dignity and rights of individuals affected by this practice.