“MANUAL SCAVENGING: A CASE OF DENIED RIGHTS”
AUTHOR – AKASH KUMAR ARYA* & DR. VIKRAM KARUNA**
* POST-GRADUATION RESEARCH SCHOLAR AT GAUTAM BUDDHA UNIVERSITY
** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT GAUTAM BUDDHA UNIVERSITY
BEST CITATION – AKASH KUMAR ARYA & DR. VIKRAM KARUNA, “MANUAL SCAVENGING: A CASE OF DENIED RIGHTS”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (7) OF 2025, PG. 832-844, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
The profession of manual scavenging has existed since the dawn of human civilisation. In addition to being barbaric, the inhumane practice of manually removing night soil—which entails removing human waste from dry toilets using bare hands, brooms, or metal scrappers—and transporting waste and baskets to disposal sites is arguably the worst violation of human rights. Numerous laws were passed in order to guarantee an equitable and casteless society, but the scavenging communities’ living conditions have remained appalling. Ironically, the Indian government only passed legislation specifically prohibiting the cruel and degrading practice of manual scavenging in 1993 and 2013, after decades of independence. This essay discusses the origins of manual scavenging and any comparable activities that may exist worldwide. This paper’s analysis of the statutory framework is another component.
administrative plans, court rulings, and remedial actions (problems and worries). In summary, this paper aims to critically analyse the proper regime of manual scavengers in light of the state’s failure to protect the scavenging community’s rights and the role of state instruments as violators. Furthermore, this paper will propose corrective actions and forward-thinking measures to integrate the scavenger community into our nation and significantly contribute to its development.
Linking MNREGA and other social security schemes with the Scavenging Act of 2013 Effective coordination among public and private authorities Community initiatives Responsibility of railways Sanitation programmes and awareness National level monitoring system and social audit Role of local authorities Legislative and executive will.