<h4>Supreme Court Guidelines on Manual Scavenging: Dr. Balram Singh Case, 2023</h4><p>The <strong>Supreme Court (SC)</strong>, in the landmark <strong>Dr. Balram Singh Case of 2023</strong>, issued a comprehensive set of <strong>14 directions</strong> to the Union, State, and Union Territory (UT) governments. These directives aim to achieve the complete eradication of <strong>manual scavenging</strong> across the nation.</p><p>The guidelines cover various aspects, including policy formulation, rehabilitation measures, and compensation for victims. The overarching goal is to ensure dignity and safety for all sanitation workers.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>Key Directives from the Dr. Balram Singh Case, 2023:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Eradication of Manual Sewer Cleaning:</strong> Implement phased measures to completely eliminate the practice of manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.</li><li><strong>Rehabilitation of Sewage Workers:</strong> Ensure comprehensive rehabilitation packages for affected workers and their families.</li><li><strong>Accountability for Outsourced Work:</strong> Establish robust accountability mechanisms for outsourced sanitation work, including penalties and contract cancellations for non-compliance.</li><li><strong>NALSA Involvement in Compensation:</strong> The <strong>National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)</strong> is tasked with managing the disbursement of compensation and developing effective models for the same.</li><li><strong>Monitoring and Transparency:</strong> Develop and maintain a dedicated online portal to track deaths, compensation disbursement, and rehabilitation progress of sanitation workers.</li></ul></div><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Compensation Standards Set by SC:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>₹30 lakhs</strong> for death of a sanitation worker.</li><li><strong>₹10-20 lakhs</strong> for disabilities incurred during work.</li><li><strong>Employment</strong> for the next of kin of deceased workers.</li><li><strong>Education</strong> for dependents of affected workers.</li></ul></div><h4>India’s Initiatives to Curb Manual Scavenging</h4><p>The Government of India has launched several initiatives and schemes to address the issue of <strong>manual scavenging</strong> and promote mechanised sanitation.</p><ul><li><strong>Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge:</strong> Aims to mechanise all sewer and septic tank cleaning operations by April 2021, promoting safe and dignified sanitation work.</li><li><strong>Swachhta Abhiyan App:</strong> A mobile application designed to identify and geo-tag manual scavengers and insanitary latrines, facilitating their rehabilitation.</li><li><strong>Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan:</strong> A national campaign focused on eradicating manual scavenging and rehabilitating manual scavengers.</li><li><strong>National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK):</strong> A statutory body established to safeguard the interests and rights of <strong>Safai Karamcharis</strong>, including manual scavengers.</li><li><strong>Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY):</strong> Provides financial assistance for viable sanitation-related projects, promoting entrepreneurship among <strong>Safai Karamcharis</strong>.</li><li><strong>Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):</strong> A component of the <strong>Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)</strong>, it certifies existing skills of sanitation workers, improving their employability.</li></ul><div class='key-point-box'><p><strong>NAMASTE Scheme: National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem</strong></p><p>The <strong>NAMASTE scheme</strong> is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Its primary objective is to create a professional, well-trained, and adequately equipped workforce for mechanised sanitation operations. It aims to eliminate human entry into hazardous cleaning tasks.</p></div><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs):</strong></p><p>Under the <strong>NAMASTE scheme</strong>, <strong>ERSUs</strong> are being developed to provide rapid and skilled response for sanitation emergencies, ensuring that human intervention in dangerous situations is replaced by trained professionals and advanced equipment.</p></div><h4>Technological Initiatives Against Manual Scavenging</h4><p>Technology plays a crucial role in eliminating the need for human intervention in hazardous sanitation work. Several innovations are being promoted.</p><div class='info-box'><p><strong>Bandicoot Robot:</strong></p><p>The <strong>Bandicoot Robot</strong> is an autonomous or remotely operated robot designed for cleaning, inspecting, and removing blockages in sewer lines. Its deployment significantly reduces the risk to human lives and promotes mechanised sanitation.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p><strong>UPSC Insight:</strong> The <strong>Dr. Balram Singh Case, 2023</strong>, and the <strong>NAMASTE scheme</strong> are critical topics for <strong>GS-II (Social Justice & Governance)</strong>. Be prepared to discuss the SC's directions, government initiatives, and the role of technology in eradicating manual scavenging.</p></div>