Manual scavenging, a practice that not only risks lives but also violates basic human dignity. Each death related to manual scavenging is a tragedy, and it’s crucial for governments to take decisive action to eradicate this inhumane practice.
It’s disheartening to see that despite judicial intervention, manual scavenging continues to persist, resulting in tragic and unnecessary loss of lives. While court orders can serve as important mechanisms for change, effective implementation and enforcement are crucial to ensuring their impact on the ground.
Recently the Maharashtra Government has taken steps to address the safety of workers involved in cleaning septic tanks, whether they are employed by the government or private parties by issuing detailed guidelines.
It appears that guidelines are just a way to deflect responsibility rather than genuinely protect people, it erodes trust of the common people in the government.
Even today there are several people who have lost their lives in septic tanks and sewer lines as the government has consistently failed to take decisive actions against the persons responsible for such deaths in the past.
It’s disheartening when there’s a gap between what’s outlined in guidelines and what actually happens in practice. Lack of enforcement and accountability can undermine the effectiveness of regulations and put such laborers and workers at risk.
It’s essential for governments to address this issue by not only implementing guidelines but also by actively enforcing them and holding those who endanger others accountable.
The loss of loved ones, especially when they are young or the primary breadwinners, is devastating for families. In such cases, governments should have systems in place to provide support and assistance to those left behind. This support should include financial assistance, counseling services, education grants for children, and other forms of social assistance.
When governments fail to provide adequate support to families who have lost their loved ones due to preventable circumstances, it exacerbates the already immense burden they are facing. It’s crucial for governments to recognize their responsibility to provide a safety net for vulnerable families during times of crisis and tragedy.
It’s also important to raise awareness about the issue, advocate for meaningful change, and hold authorities accountable for their responsibilities in eradicating manual scavenging. By working together across different sectors and levels of society, we can strive towards a future where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, free from the indignity and danger of manual scavenging.
It’s often a slow and challenging process, but persistent advocacy and pressure can help drive meaningful change.
