NHRC holds open house discussion on rights of manual scavengers

https://theprint.in/india/nhrc-holds-open-house-discussion-on-rights-of-manual-scavengers/2433466/

On January 6, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) hosted an open house discussion in New Delhi, addressing the rights of manual scavengers and the ongoing practice of hazardous waste cleaning. NHRC chairperson Justice (Retd.) V. Ramasubramanian voiced concerns over sanitation worker deaths despite legal bans and proposed a pilot project using robotic technology for sewer cleaning, starting in one state. NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal highlighted state-level efforts under Supreme Court guidelines but acknowledged the persistent caste-based impact of manual scavenging. Participants, including NGOs, ministries, and researchers, discussed banning manual scavenging, preventing sewer deaths, and rehabilitating workers. Key recommendations included ground-level monitoring, incentivizing mechanization, training women-led self-help groups, enforcing rehabilitation programs, improving transparency in data and funding, and supporting innovations for hazardous waste cleaning. The NHRC committed to formulating actionable recommendations to strengthen policies, promote mechanization, and ensure the rehabilitation and welfare of affected workers.