CPIM MP John Brittas questions govt claim on ending manual scavenging, cites 315 sewer deaths
New Delhi: CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas criticised the Union government’s claim of having eradicated manual scavenging. He pointed to data tabled in Parliament showing that 315 people died while cleaning sewers and manholes over the past five years.
“These are not accidents, these are preventable, repeated, institutional failures,” the Kerala MP wrote on social media platform X on Monday.
In an unstarred question, Brittas requested thorough information on deaths and injuries related to sewage and septic tank cleaning in the last five years. He also wanted a state-by-state and caste-by-caste breakdown (SC/OBC), as well as details on compensation paid and safety measures implemented.
According to Maktoob, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale stated in Parliament that sanitation labor is occupation-based rather than caste-based, and that caste-specific statistics on sewer deaths is not maintained. He stated that compensation had been paid to the legal heirs or dependents of people who perished during hazardous cleaning procedures.
Alleging that the absence of caste data reflected a reluctance to acknowledge structural realities, Brittas wrote “Manual scavenging and hazardous sanitation work in India are overwhelmingly carried out by marginalised communities and are rooted in historical caste-based occupation discrimination patterns." He also accused the government of avoiding documentation that would “expose the truth.”
Manual scavenging was first outlawed in 1993. A more comprehensive legal framework was introduced through the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. These acts prohibited the employment of manual scavengers, banned insanitary latrines and mandated rehabilitation of affected workers.
Advocacy groups such as Safai Karmachari Andolan have continued to document cases of hazardous sanitation work across the country. Brittas said seven states accounted for 77.5 per cent of the reported deaths, with Maharashtra recording 53 fatalities since 2021.
To ensure safety and dignity for sewer and septic tank workers, the government had informed Parliament that it launched the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) in 2023-24. The scheme includes distribution of personal protective equipment, occupational safety training, deployment of safety devices through Emergency Response Sanitation Units in urban local bodies, and financial assistance for mechanised sanitation equipment.
Last year, the government had stated in Parliament that no deaths were reported due to manual scavenging in the preceding two years, while it acknowledged fatalities linked to hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks and non-compliance with safety norms under the 2013 Act.
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Kindergarten convocation held at M.E.T. English Medium School in Udyavara
Udyavara: The Kindergarten Convocation Ceremony of M.E.T. English Medium School was held at the M.E.T. Auditorium on March 27, marking an important milestone in the academic journey of young students.
The programme began with a welcome address by Rati. The event was attended by Dr. Absar ul Huda, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, as the guest of honour, while wildlife conservationist and educator Akshay N. Shet was the special guest. Sameer Mohammed, Managing Director and CEO of Armour Kartoons Private Limited, presided over the function and delivered the presidential address.
Academic Head Dr. Junaida Sulthana administered the oath to the graduating students. Kindergarten Coordinator Rubina Sameer spoke about the play-way and Montessori methods followed by the school, while Savitha Acharya announced the Academic Excellence Award winners.
The young graduates took part in performances and shared their learning experiences, drawing appreciation from the audience.
Mohd. Iqbal and Suhaila Firoz were also present as special guests. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Sanjata. Parents and well-wishers attended the event in large numbers.
