Indian Society and Social Issues: June 2023 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

India Removed from the Report on Children and Armed Conflict

Why in the news?

Recently, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres removed India from his annual report on Children and Armed Conflict, citing protective measures taken by the Indian government. India has been mentioned since 2010 for alleged recruitment and use of boys by armed groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

Report of the United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) on Children and armed conflict

• In the latest report, UN Secretary-General called upon India to implement the remaining measures identified in consultation with his special representative and the United Nations. These include:
• the training of armed and security forces on child protection,
• prohibition of the use of lethal and non-lethal force on children,
• ending the use of pellet guns, and
• ensuring that children are detained as a last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time.
• UNSG stressed the implementation of measures to prevent all forms of ill-treatment in detention and the full implementation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

Steps taken by India

• In last year's report, UNSG was concerned by the "increased number of violations against children verified in Jammu and Kashmir", and had called upon the Indian government to strengthen child protection.
• UNSG highlighted the technical mission of the office of his special representative in July 2022 to identify areas of cooperation for child protection, and the workshop on strengthening child protection held in Jammu and Kashmir last November by the government, with the participation of the United Nations.
• The UN chief had welcomed the legal and administrative framework for the protection of children and improved access to child protection services in Chhattisgarh, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir, and progress in the creation of a Jammu and Kashmir Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
• The Government of India had been consistently engaged in efforts to exclude the country’s name from this list. It led to an agreement to appoint a national focal point to identify priority national interventions to enhance the protection of children, a joint technical mission to hold inter-ministerial, technical-level meetings with the UN to identify areas of enhanced cooperation for child protection
  • India was mentioned in the report of the Secretary-General on Children and armed conflict since 2010 along with other countries of Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Lake Chad basin, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines for alleged recruitment and use of boys by armed groups in Jammu and Kashmir: detainment of boys by Indian security forces in J&K for their alleged association with armed groups, or on national security grounds.

Countries where violations against children during armed conflict were recorded

• In its annual report on children and armed conflict, UNSG said that globally in 2022, children continued to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict, and the number of children verified as affected by grave violations increased compared with 2021.
• The United Nations verified 27,180 grave violations, of which 24,300 were committed in 2022 and 2,880 were committed earlier but verified only in 2022. Violations affected 18,890 children (13,469 boys, 4,638 girls, 783 sex unknown) in 24 situations and one regional monitoring arrangement.
• The highest numbers of violations were the killing (2,985) and maiming (5,655) of 8,631 children, followed by the recruitment and use of 7,622 children and the abduction of 3,985 children.
• Children were detained for actual or alleged association with armed groups (2,496), including those designated as terrorist groups by the United Nations, or for national security reasons.
• The United Nations verified the killing (253) and maiming (656) of 909 children (732 boys, 177 girls), attributed to unidentified perpetrators (694), Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-KP) (112), the Taliban (98) and cross-border shelling from Pakistan (5).

UNDP and DAY-NULM for Women Entrepreneurs

Why in News?

Recently, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) have joined hands to empower women entrepreneurs in India.

What are the Key Highlights of the Partnership?

• Aim:
  • The partnership aims to provide support for women looking to start or expand their own enterprises in various sectors, such as care economy, digital economy, electric mobility, waste management, food packaging and more.
  • To enhance the implementation of national-level schemes for urban poverty alleviation and livelihood promotion by providing capacity building support to DAY-NULM.
  • To pilot innovative solutions, particularly in the care economy domain, to address the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs.
• Coverage and Time Span:
  • The project will cover eight cities in the initial phase and will span over three years, with the possibility of extension beyond 2025.
• Role of UNDP:
  • UNDP will offer national-level capacity building support to DAY-NULM, focusing on knowledge generation and management, such as compiling compendiums of best practices related to urban poverty.
  • UNDP and DAY-NULM will jointly engage in on-ground mobilization activities that involve identifying pockets of urban poverty and potential entrepreneurs, as well as facilitating access to business development services.
  • UNDP will also contribute to the initiative by developing community business mentors called Biz-Sakhis in selected project locations.
    • These mentors can support new and existing enterprises and serve as a resource for DAY-NULM at a later stage.
• Importance:
  • Women entrepreneurship is a proven strategy for poverty alleviation, financial independence, and reshaping gender norms.
    • Today, women account for only 15% of the total entrepreneurs in India. By increasing this number, the partnership not only empowers women, but also accelerates economic growth and ensures a happy and healthy society.
  • The partnership leverages UNDP’s experience in linking over 200,000 women with better employment opportunities, and DAY-NULM’s mandate of uplifting urban communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

What Challenges do Women Entrepreneurs Face?

• Lack of female mentors and role models.
• Difficulty in maximizing the value of business networks traditionally dominated by men.
• Gender stereotypes and biases regarding logical and empathetic capabilities.
• Societal barriers imposed by patriarchal constructs and familial constraints.
• Challenges in raising finance and lack of creditworthiness.
• Limited avenues for financial management and reliance on others.

What are the Initiatives Related to Women Entrepreneurship in India?

• The Government of India and many state governments are running schemes to improve financial inclusivity for women. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana is one such high-potential scheme for women because it offers collateral free loans.
• The Dena Shakti Scheme provides loans up to ₹20 lakh for women entrepreneurs in agriculture, manufacturing, micro-credit, retail stores, or small enterprises.
  • The scheme also provides a concession of 0.25% on the rate of interest.
• The Government of India also launched the Stand Up India Scheme to leverage the institutional credit structure to reach out to the underserved sector of people such as SCs, STs and Women Entrepreneurs.
• Stree Shakti Yojana and Orient Mahila Vikas Yojana support women who have majority of ownership in the business.
• Women who want to enroll themselves in catering business can attain loan via the Annapurna Yojana.

Adoption in India

Why in News?

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has recently highlighted the significant backlog of adoption cases in Maharashtra, with the highest number of pending adoption cases in India (329 awaiting resolutions).

• In January 2023, the Bombay HC directed the state government not to transfer pending adoption proceedings to District Magistrates, (as mandated under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021), leading to confusion and hindering progress.

What is the Status of Child Adoption in India?

• About:
  • It is a legal and emotional process that involves accepting the responsibility of caring for a child who is not biologically related to the adoptive parents.
  • The process of adoption in India is monitored and regulated by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), which is part of the Ministry of Women and Child Care.
    • CARA is the nodal body for adoption of Indian children and is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country adoptions.
    • CARA is also designated as the Central Authority to deal with inter-country adoptions in accordance with the provisions of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, 1993, ratified by Government of India in 2003.
• Laws Related to Adoption in India:
  • Adoptions in India are governed by two laws: the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 (HAMA) and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
    • Both laws have their separate eligibility criteria for adoptive parents.
  • Those applying under the JJ Act have to register on CARA’s portal after which a specialised adoption agency carries out a home study report.
    • After it finds the candidate eligible for adoption, a child declared legally free for adoption is referred to the applicant.
  • Under HAMA, a “dattaka hom” ceremony or an adoption deed or a court order is sufficient to obtain irrevocable adoption rights.
    • Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs are legalized to adopt kids under this Act.
• Recent Development:
  • The Parliament passed the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Act, 2021 in order to amend the Juvenile Justice Act (JJ Act), 2015.
    • The key changes include authorising District Magistrates and Additional District Magistrates to issue adoption orders under Section 61 of the JJ Act.
      • Earlier in JJ Act 2015, adoption of a child is final on the issuance of an adoption order by the civil court.
  • The Ministry of Women and Child Development has introduced the Adoption Regulations-2022, which has streamlined the adoption process.
    • District Magistrates (DMs) and Child Welfare Committees have been directed to upload adoption orders and case status in real time.
    • Since the implementation of the Adoption Regulations-2022, 2,297 adoption orders have been issued by DMs nationwide, resolving a significant portion of pending cases.

What are the Major Challenges Related to Adoption in India?

• Lengthy and Complex Adoption Process: The adoption process in India can be lengthy, bureaucratic, and complex, leading to delays in the placement of children with suitable families.
  • India’s tedious and interminable adoption process can clearly be seen in the statistics with the CARA which states that while more than 30,000 prospective parents are currently waiting to adopt, less than 7% the number of children — 2131— are legally free for adoption.
  • Around two-third of them are children with special needs, and it takes three years for an adoption process to complete.
• Illegal and Unregulated Practices: Unfortunately, there are instances of illegal and unregulated adoption practices in India. This includes baby trafficking, child-selling, and the existence of unregistered adoption agencies, which exploit vulnerable children and biological parents.
  • In 2018, Ranchi’s Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity came under fire for its “baby-selling racket” after a nun from the shelter confessed to selling four children.
• Returning Children after Adoption: India also faces an unusual upsurge in adoptive parents returning children after adopting.
  • In 2020, CARA stated that over 1,100 children adopted across the country have been returned to child care institutions by their adoptive parents in the last five years.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Adoption Laws: There is a need to review and update adoption laws to streamline the process, make it more transparent, and ensure the best interests of the child.
  • This includes simplifying paperwork, reducing delays, and addressing any loopholes or ambiguities in the existing legislation.
• Post-Adoption Services: There is a need to establish comprehensive post-adoption support services to assist both adoptive parents and adopted children.
  • This can include counselling, educational support, access to healthcare, and guidance for managing any challenges that arise during the adoption journey.
• Awareness and Education: There is a need to promote awareness about adoption as a viable option for building families.
  • It includes educating the public about the benefits, procedures, and legal aspects of adoption. Also, encouraging positive attitudes towards adoption and dispel misconceptions or stigma associated with it.

Anxiety Disorders

Why in News?

Recently, there has been a growing recognition of the impact of anxiety disorders on individuals' daily lives and overall well-being. These common mental health conditions affect a significant portion of the population and can lead to persistent distress and impairment.

• Anxiety is a normal emotion that can become problematic when it becomes persistent and disruptive. In such cases, it may indicate an anxiety disorder that requires attention and appropriate treatment.

What is Anxiety disorder?

• About:
  • Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve excessive and irrational fear and worry about various aspects of life.
  • Anxiety disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background.
• Historical Context of Anxiety Disorders:
  • Anxiety disorders were historically classified within mood disorders until the late 19^th century. Sigmund Freud introduced the concept of "anxiety neurosis" to differentiate anxiety symptoms from depression.
  • Freud’s original anxiety neurosis included people with phobias and panic attacks.
    • Anxiety neurosis is further categorized into anxiety neurosis (people with mainly psychological symptoms of anxiety) and anxiety hysteria (people with phobias and physical symptoms of anxiety).
• Prevalence:
  • According to India's National Mental Health Survey, neurosis and stress-related disorders have a prevalence of 3.5% in India.
    • These disorders are more commonly observed in women and are often overlooked or misdiagnosed in primary care settings. Childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood are considered high-risk periods for the onset of anxiety disorders.

Clinical Features of Common Anxiety Disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
  • Excessive worrying lasting over six months, not restricted to specific circumstances, and often accompanied by physical symptoms and distress.
• Panic Disorder:
  • Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks characterized by intense physical symptoms and fear of catastrophic outcomes.
• Social Anxiety Disorder:
  • Intense fear of negative evaluation by others, resulting in avoidance of social situations and significant distress.
• Separation Anxiety Disorder:
  • Fear and distress concerning separation from attachment figures, accompanied by excessive worry about potential harm.
• Specific Phobias:
  • Irrational fear of specific objects, animals, or situations.

Causes For Anxiety Disorders:

• Genetics:
  • An increased likelihood of anxiety disorders can be observed in individuals with a family history of anxiety, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
• Brain Chemistry:
  • Imbalances in neurotransmitters, which are responsible for regulating mood and emotions, may play a role in the development of anxiety disorders.
• Personality Traits:
  • Certain personality traits, such as being shy, perfectionistic, or prone to stress, can make individuals more susceptible to developing an anxiety disorder.
• Life Events:
  • Traumatic or stressful experiences, such as abuse, violence, loss, or illness, can trigger or exacerbate anxiety disorders. Conversely, even positive life events like marriage, having a baby, or starting a new job can induce anxiety in some individuals.
• Medical Conditions:
  • Underlying physical health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, thyroid problems, or hormonal imbalances, can contribute to the onset or manifestation of anxiety symptoms.
• Treating Anxiety Disorders:
  • Treatment decisions are based on the severity, persistence, and impact of symptoms, as well as patient preferences.
  • Evidence-based interventions include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
  • Co-occurring depression requires separate consideration and specific treatment.
  • Treatment is usually continued for 9-12 months after symptom remission, gradually phased out as recommended.

What Initiatives has the Government of India taken to Address Mental Health?

• National Mental Health Program (NMHP): The National Mental Health Program (NMHP) was adopted by the government in 1982 in response to the large number of mental disorders and shortage of mental health professionals.
  • District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), 1996 was also launched to provide community mental health services at the primary health care level.
• Mental Health Act: As part of the Mental Health Care Act 2017, every affected person has access to mental healthcare and treatment from government institutions.
  • It has significantly reduced the significance of Section 309 IPC and attempts to commit suicide are punishable only as exceptions.
• Kiran Helpline:
  • In 2020, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched a 24/7 toll-free helpline 'Kiran' to provide mental health support.
• Manodarpan Initiative:
  • It aimed at providing psychosocial support to students, teachers, and family members during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• MANAS Mobile App:
  • To promote mental well-being across age groups, the Government of India launched MANAS (Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System) in 2021.

CITIIS 2.0

Context

The Union government approved the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) 2.0 programme that seeks to support projects promoting a circular economy with a focus on integrated waste management at the city level.

• The programme envisages supporting competitively selected projects promoting a circular economy with a focus on integrated waste management at the city level, climate-oriented reform actions at the state level, and institutional strengthening and knowledge dissemination at the national level.

About CITIIS 1.0

CITIIS, a sub-component of Smart Cities Mission, is a joint program of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), European Union (EU), and National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). CITIIS 1.0 was launched in 2018 and assisted 12 cities across India in sustainable urban infrastructure projects

UGC (Deemed To Be Universities) Regulations, 2023

Context

Union Minister of Education and Skill Development, released the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023.

• The University Grants Commission (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023 replaced the UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2019.
• The new regulations have been formulated in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

University Grants Commission (UGC)

• About
  • University Grants Commission is a statutory body under the University Grants Commission Act, of 1956.
• Charge
  • UGC is charged with the task of coordinating and maintaining standards of higher education in India.
• Mandate
  • It provides recognition to universities and also allocates funds to universities and colleges.
• Headquarters
  • UGC headquarters are in New Delhi, and it also has 6 regional centres.
• Grants to Universities
  • All grants to universities and higher learning institutions are handled by the UGC.
• National Institutional Ranking Framework under UGC
  • In 2015-16, the Union government initiated a National Institutional Ranking Framework under UGC to rank all educational institutes.
• UGC’s National Eligibility Test (NET)
  • UGC also conducts the National Eligibility Test (NET) for the appointments of teachers in colleges and universities.
  • M Jagadesh Kumar is the current chairman of the UGC.
• Current Chairman
  • M Jagadesh Kumar is the current chairman of the UGC.

UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2023

• According to the regulations, the objectives of the ‘deemed to be universities’, among other things, include
  • providing higher education leading to excellence in different branches of knowledge, primarily at undergraduate, post-graduate, and research degree levels, fully conforming to the concept of a university,
  • strengthening the research ecosystem and
  • to contribute for social transformation through socially responsive teaching, learning, research, and fieldwork.

Salient Features of The Regulations

Deemed to be University Status

• The eligibility criteria to apply for deemed to be university status is ----
  • NAAC ‘A’ grade with at least a 3.01 CGPA for three consecutive cycles or
  • National Board of Accreditation (NBA) accreditation for two third of eligible programs for three consecutive cycles or in the top 50 of any specific categories of NIRF for the last three years continuously or
  • in the top 100 of overall National Institutional Ranking Framework Ranking for the last three years continuously.
  • A cluster of institutions managed by more than one sponsoring body can also apply for deemed to be university status. Sponsoring bodies seeking deemed to be university status for their institutions may apply 'online'.
• Introduction of new Programs
  • Institution deemed to be Universities may start new courses or programs in any field in their existing campus and approved off-campus centres, with the prior approval of its Executive Council and, also wherever applicable, with the approval of the relevant statutory council
• Off-campus centres
  • Institutions deemed to be Universities with minimum ‘A’ grade and above or ranked from 1 to 100 in the "Universities" category of NIRF rankings of the relevant year are eligible to set up off-campus centres.
  • Institutions declared as deemed to be Universities under a “distinct category” can apply for off-campuses after five years of their declaration if they are accredited with an A grade or figured in the top 100 in the “universities” category of NIRF.
• Fee Concession and Scholarship
  • The institution that is being granted the “ Deemed University” status may provide fee concession or scholarships or may allocate seats to meritorious students belonging to socially and economically deprived groups of the society,
• Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)
  • Institutions that are being granted the “Deemed University” status like other universities and colleges, will have to mandatorily create Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) identities of their students and upload their credit scores in digital lockers and ensure that the credit scores are reflected in the ABC portal and adopt the Samarth eGov suite.

Significance

• The regulations will facilitate the creation of much more quality-focused deemed-to-be universities in an objective and transparent manner.
• The new simplified guidelines will encourage universities to focus on quality and excellence, strengthen the research ecosystem and have a long-term impact in transforming our higher education landscape.

Manual Scavenging

Context

• The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has now said that only 508 districts out of the total 766 districts in the country have declared themselves manual-scavenging free.

What is manual scavenging?

• Manual scavenging is the practice of removing human excreta by hand from sewers or septic tanks.

Constitutional provisions against manual scavenging in India

• Human dignity is an inalienable right which forms a part of the fundamental right to life (Article 21– Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India) as per the Constitution of India.
• ‘Dignity’ has been construed to include equal treatment and protection of the law, and equal respect. It is a unanimously accepted right, validated by Articles 1, 22, and 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• The following is a list of provisions under the Indian Constitution which is supposed to cater to the rights of equality, respect, and dignity before the law.
  • Article 14 is about equality before the law which should not be denied to any individual in India.
  • Article 15 provides that no discrimination is permitted based on the place of birth of a person, race, religion, caste, and sex. Manual scavengers, however, face discrimination because of their caste all their lives.
  • Article 16 of the Indian Constitution, in matters of public employment guarantees equal opportunity to all its citizens.
  • Article 17 has provision for the abolition of untouchability, it is guaranteed under this constitutional provision to all.
  • Article 19(1)(g) gives every citizen the right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation, trade or business of their choosing.
  • Article 21 guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty to all the citizens living in India.
  • Apart from these, some other rights which safeguard the manual scavengers as SC or ST, under the Indian Constitution are Article 46 and Article 338.

Laws pertaining to Manual Scavenging in India

• Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (Revised)
  • Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (Revised) which was applicable in 1977 abolished untouchability and made it a cognizable and non-compoundable offence. To convert poor urban household dry latrines into flush latrines, integrated low-cost sanitation schemes were authorized.
• Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993
  • This Act banned the employment of manual scavengers and made it a cognizable offense, making it the responsibility of the State, citizens and the organisations to maintain sanitary toilets.
• Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013
  • India banned the practice under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR).
  • The Act bans the use of any individual for manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of or otherwise handling in any manner, human excreta till its disposal.
  • In 2013, the definition of manual scavengers was also broadened to include people employed to clean septic tanks, ditches, or railway tracks.
  • The Act recognizes manual scavenging as a “dehumanizing practice,” and cites a need to “correct the historical injustice and indignity suffered by the manual scavengers.”
• The salient features of this Act are as follows:
  • The Act has provisions for prohibition and penalty of employing anyone as a manual scavenger.
  • Under this Act, the states are now responsible for identifying and rehabilitating manual scavengers.
  • The state also has to provide them with training, assistance, loans, and even houses.
  • The Act prohibits the existence of dry latrines and other forms of insanitary latrines and to that effect makes the local authority responsible to identify dry latrines in the area and demolish or convert them into sanitary latrines.
• The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation (Amendment) Bill 2020
  • The Bill prohibits the employment of manual scavengers, the manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks without protective equipment, and the construction of insanitary latrines.

Status of Manual scavenging in India

• Safai Karmachari Andolan Report
  • 472 deaths due to manual scavenging had been recorded from 2016 to 2020.

Impact

• Sewer Deaths In India
  • The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE), disclosed that 282 manual scavengers have lost their lives, while cleaning sewers, tunnels and septic tanks between 2016 and 2019. Even after various attempts of the officials for solving the problem of manual scavenging, is constantly increasing.
• Manner Of Living
  • Life of a sanitation worker is very difficult. They face a lot of racism during their whole life, same goes to their families.
• Poverty
  • A sanitation worker works throughout their lives with very low wages.
  • As per an organisation Safai Karamchari Aandolan sanitation workers receives Rs. 180-200 per month, per household.
  • They agree to work for long hours with very less wages from what the government prescribes.
  • Further, while working in such unhealthy conditions that without any protective gears, leads to severe injuries and health issues.
• Health Issues
  • Average life expectancy of a sanitation worker is only 50 years old. Workers and their families face many diseases throughout their lives.
• Social Disparity
  • People involved in the work of manual scavengers are from low caste and they are being considered as untouchable because of their work.
  • Many employer reject them from getting job, they do not get respect in society their children face the discrimination at schools

Why is manual scavenging still prevalent in India?

• Social deprivation
  • People who have been trapped in this occupation by birth have faced social stigma for generations and despite welfare measures and laws in place to uplift them, they haven’t been able to avail the opportunities because they have been shunned and despised. This results in people employed in this menial, inhuman, and degrading occupation to get deeper and deeper in it and carry on the practice for generations.
• Poor enforcement of existing laws
  • The lack of enforcement of the Act is one of the reasons why the practice is still prevalent in India.
• The exploitation of unskilled laborers
  • Example: The Mumbai civic body charges anywhere between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 to clean septic tanks.
  • The unskilled labourers, meanwhile, are much cheaper to hire and contractors illegally employ them at a daily wage of Rs 300-500.
• Unorganized group
  • Unlike most occupations where the labour workforce has unions, manual scavengers do not have an organized group or union because of which they do not have any noteworthy voice in the political process and hence the government in the country.
• Lack of empathy
  • One of the most important factors in this regard is the total lack of empathy towards the plight of the manual scavengers.
• Lack of other employment opportunities and rehabilitation
  • People continue this occupation because our society and system haven’t been able to rehabilitate these people or include them in the mainstream of our society.
• Continuance of unsanitary latrines
  • It is only lately that the country is awakening to living in hygienic conditions as their right, but still the country continues to have unsanitary latrines in which human waste is cleaned manually, instead of having a flush or running water to wash/drain from the waste. The cleaning of such latrines is done manually since they are dry toilets, not made properly.
• Inadequate Rehabilitation and Less Employment Opportunities
  • There are very few alternatives of employment opportunities available in the nation for this community, due to which this community has to enter into this occupation to earn bread and butter. Since, this work is a caste based low caste people are forced to do this work. They are not very much accepted in the other sectors.
    Human Rights Watch, a global non-profit organisation, published a report on manual scavenging. In which they quotes a campaigner who said that The manual carrying of human faeces is not for a employment, but an akin to slavery.

Recommendations

To end the problem of Manual Scavenging, it is obsessively necessary to work from the core of the problem.

• Education
  • Education plays a very important role here, Dr Bheem Rao Ambedkar has said- Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of existence.
  • In India, children of poor workers are not much educated. As they don't have sufficient funds for the education, they are forced to drop school/college and join the same line of employment.
  • As a proposal, the government should give grants to every child a sum of money for passing every final semester exam (in government schools). This will motivate students to study more and also they will gather some amount which will be helpful for them.
• Social awareness
  • Nagar Palika, NGOs, Health Officers, and Social Communities should create awareness among the manual scavenger community regarding health issues, hygiene practices, and sanitization processes.
  • Small workshops, events etc should be organised to thank this community and celebrate their honor of respect.
  • Moreover, the general public should be aware of legal implications regarding employment of manual scavenging. Once, anybody is arrested for employing any manual scavenger, an example will be set for the rest of the society.
    On the other hand sanitization workers should be also aware of their rights and laws to protect them from being exploited.
• Rehabilitation and rejuvenate of Manual Scavengers
  • It is very necessary to shift these workers to other jobs. More employment should be created and this community should be prioritised. When this community will be shifted towards other opportunities it will not only help to earn money but also to raise living standards.
  • This employment not only affects the health of the workers but also destroys the life of their families. By providing them different opportunities to earn, it will also raise the living standards of their families.
• Enforcement of laws
  • Many of the laws are being enacted to protect the sanitation workers such as Employment Of Manual Scavengers And Construction Of Dry Latrines Act, 1993, Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) in 2007, The Prohibition Of Employment As Manual Scavengers And Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 etc but when it comes to implementation, these laws have failed to show results.
  • Government is reluctant to provide their promises, not giving adequate punishments to those who are violating the rules. As a result this taboo is still in practice and will not end till laws are being implemented properly.
• Technology
  • The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has forged a robot named Bandicoot to replace humans. This robot has a camera on the front and it is able to enter inside septic tanks. This robot has two arms and four legs which are designed for performance cleaning operations. The robot can be handled with full sanitisation and it wont affect the health of a human. Robots can be the best alternative to manual scavenging.