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Cabinet Approval for Extension of NCSK (2025-2028)
Context:
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK ) for three years beyond 31st March 2025, up to 31st March 2028. The extension aims to Facilitate the socio-economic upliftment of sanitation workers , Improve working conditions in the sanitation sector and Ensure zero fatalities in hazardous cleaning.
Socio-Economic Conditions of Safai Karamcharis
- Safai Karamcharis, historically marginalized, continue to face severe socio-economic hardships, including low wages, job insecurity, and inadequate access to education and healthcare.
- Despite welfare measures, many sanitation workers remain trapped in the cycle of poverty due to caste-based discrimination and lack of alternative employment opportunities.
Reports on Safai Karamcharis and Manual Scavenging
- The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) Reports have consistently pointed out gaps in implementation of the MS Act, 2013, particularly in rehabilitating manual scavengers.
- Periodic Studies by NGOs and Human Rights Organizations indicate that hazardous cleaning, especially in sewers and septic tanks, continues despite legal prohibitions.
- Government Surveys have acknowledged the need for improved enforcement of mechanization in cleaning operations to eliminate manual scavenging entirely.
Government and Institutional Initiatives
- MS Act, 2013: Prohibits the employment of manual scavengers and mandates their rehabilitation.
- Swachh Bharat Mission: Encourages mechanization of sanitation work and better workplace safety.
- NAMASTE (National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem): Focuses on eliminating hazardous cleaning practices and promoting mechanized cleaning.
- Rehabilitation and Skill Development Programs: Various training initiatives are being implemented to provide alternative employment opportunities to sanitation workers.
- Financial Assistance and Scholarships: Welfare programs, including scholarships for children of sanitation workers, aim to break the cycle of generational employment in the sector.
About NCSK
- Composition
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- One Chairperson (equivalent to Union Minister of State rank).
- One Vice-Chairperson (equivalent to Secretary to the Government of India rank).
- Five Members, including one female member (equivalent to Secretary rank).
- One Secretary (equivalent to Joint Secretary rank), along with supporting staff.
- Tenure
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- Initially a statutory body under the NCSK Act, 1993 (valid up to 2004).
- Since 2004, functioning as a non-statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Tenure extended multiple times through Government Resolutions.
Functions and Powers of NCSK
- Mandate under Government Resolutions
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- Recommend programs to eliminate inequalities in status and opportunities for Safai Karamcharis.
- Evaluate implementation of rehabilitation schemes for sanitation workers.
- Investigate grievances related to non-implementation of policies.
- Monitor working conditions, health, safety, and wages of sanitation workers.
- Submit reports and recommendations to the Central/State governments.
- Mandate under the MS Act 2013
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- Monitor implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
- Investigate complaints of violations of the Act.
- Advise Central and State Governments on effective policy execution.
- Take suo-motu notice of cases of non-implementation.
Need for NCSK
- Persistent Manual Scavenging: Despite legal bans, cases still exist.
- Lack of Proper Implementation: Welfare schemes often do not reach beneficiaries.
- Hazardous Working Conditions: Many Safai Karamcharis work without proper safety equipment.
- Social Stigma and Discrimination: Continued caste-based marginalization.
- Delayed Compensation and Rehabilitation: Families of deceased sanitation workers often struggle to receive promised aid.
- Policy Monitoring and Accountability: NCSK ensures compliance with laws and policies.
Key Achievements of NCSK
Implementation of Supreme Court Directions (2023)
- Compensation for sewer deaths increased from Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 30 lakh.
- Compensation for sewer-related disabilities:
- Minimum Rs. 10 lakh.
- If permanent disability causes economic hardship, Rs. 20 lakh.
- Monitors the payment of compensation to affected workers.
- Strengthened monitoring of manual scavenging cases and rehabilitation efforts.
- Increased compensation for sewer deaths and disabilities (per SC orders in 2023).
- Played a crucial role in ensuring financial aid and skill development for sanitation workers.
- Facilitated the enforcement of the MS Act 2013.
- Regular grievance redressal mechanisms and interactions with stakeholders.
Way Forward: Suggestions for Improving NCSK’s Functioning
- Grant Statutory Status: Re-enact the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act to restore NCSK as a statutory body with binding powers.
- Strengthen Implementation of Laws
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- Ensure strict enforcement of the MS Act 2013.
- Hold municipalities and state authorities accountable for non-compliance.
- Ensure Comprehensive Rehabilitation
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- Focus on alternative livelihood programs for manual scavengers.
- Provide educational and skill development initiatives for their families.
- Regular Social Audits and Monitoring
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- Conduct periodic audits of government programs.
- Set up independent monitoring committees with civil society participation.
