Team Blitz India
NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over the rising number of deaths during manual cleaning of sewers, the Supreme Court directed the Central and State Governments to eradicate the practice of manual scavenging entirely. In addition, the court called for an increase in compensation to Rs 30 lakhs in cases of fatalities during sewer cleaning.
The Apex court recognised the need to address permanent disability resulting from sewer operations and suggested an increase in compensation to Rs 20 lakhs. It also called for not less than Rs 10 lakhs in compensation for other forms of disablement. The bench, comprising Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Aravind Kumar, delivered this verdict.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court issued a series of directives to both the Union and state governments, focussing on the effective implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act of 2013. These directives encompassed active measures for rehabilitating victims and their families, providing scholarships, and offering skill development programs.
