The Reality of Manual Scavenging

SAFAI KARMACHARIS

THE REALITY OF MANUAL SCAVENGING

ASK: ASK FOR JUSTICE

A Nationwide Legal Aid Network Dedicated to Eliminating Manual Scavenging

ASK stands as a remarkable initiative forged by the RannSamar Foundation, under the visionary leadership of its Founder, Adv. Abha Singh, and Chief Patron, Adv. Isha Singh. Its overarching goal is the complete eradication of manual scavenging, accompanied by the provision of comprehensive support to manual scavengers and their families. The ASK platform serves as a valuable resource, not only for victims of manual scavenging seeking insights into their legal rights and available remedies but also for the broader public eager to engage and raise awareness.

Moreover, ASK is committed to establishing a comprehensive database tracking illegal manual scavenging activities, ultimately contributing to their eradication from society.

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THE UNCOMFORTABLE HISTORY OF DISCRIMINATION​

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Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, comes into force in 1997, but manual scavenging continues.

The Socio-Economic & Caste Census 2011 data reveals presence of 1,82,505 manual scavengers in rural India alone, and 26 lakh functional dry toilet
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The Centre passes Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, but manual scavenging continues.

The Central government says there’s no proof of manual scavengers in 2021, despite ample evidence to the contrary!

The practice endures. 

The refusals persist

The fatalities persist.

The Story of
Bani, Neeta & Vimla:

The women who lost their husbands to the horror of ‘manual scavenging’.

Unaware of their entitlement to compensation, Adv. Isha and Adv. Abha stood before the doorsteps of these grieving widows, one of whom cradled a newborn baby of just 20 days.

In the wake of the government’s inability to put an end to the tragic losses of’ manual scavengers’ and ‘safai karamcharis’, they were shown a flicker of hope.

Gathering with the women

to collaborate on the case and

placing our faith in

the legal system to deliver justice.

Following a strenuous journey involving countless hours of legal work,

these determined women finally received

their initial compensation installment.

At that moment, they realized that the battle had just begun.

Immediately after the High Court issued its favorable verdict for the widows,

just outside the courtroom,

the officers were standing ready with the cheques

Triumph Achieved, Yet the Battle Endures

The Bombay High Court awarded a compensation of Rs. 10 lakh to each of the women. This ruling rekindled hope in the justice system within the hearts of these widows.

This marks a triumph. Nevertheless, the struggle to eliminate this occupation endures.

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