In News:

The Union Cabinet, on February 7, 2025, approved the extension of the tenure of the National Commission for SafaiKaramcharis (NCSK) for three years beyond March 31, 2025, i.e., up to March 31, 2028.

The move is aimed at sustaining efforts to eradicate manual scavenging, improve the welfare of sanitation workers, and achieve zero fatalities in hazardous cleaning activities. The extension involves a financial outlay of ?50.91 crore.

Background and Legal Status

• Constitution: NCSK was established in August 1994 under the National Commission for SafaiKaramcharis Act, 1993 as a statutory body.
• Post-2004 Status: The statutory Act lapsed in 2004, and since then, NCSK has functioned as a non-statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, with periodic extensions.
• Current Demand: The current Chairperson, M. Venkatesan, has welcomed the extension but stressed the need for granting statutory status to the commission to enhance its authority and effectiveness.

Mandate and Functions

As per Government Notification and MS Act, 2013:

• Policy Recommendations:Recommend specific programmes of action to eliminate inequalities in the status, facilities, and opportunities of SafaiKaramcharis.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Study and evaluate implementation of welfare schemes and programmes.
  • Monitor working conditions, including health, safety, and wages of sanitation workers.
• Grievance Redressal:
  • Investigate specific complaints and take suomotu cognizance of non-implementation of policies or schemes related to SafaiKaramcharis.
  • Report to governments on issues affecting SafaiKaramcharis.
• Role under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013:
  • Monitor the implementation of the Act.
  • Enquire into violations, and convey findings with recommendations to authorities.
  • Advise the Centre and States on effective implementation.
  • Take suomotu notice of non-compliance.
• Data Collection:
  • NCSK remains the only national body tracking sewer and septic tank deaths.

Significance of the Extension

• Aims to improve working conditions in the sanitation sector.
• Supports the socio-economic upliftment of one of the most marginalized communities in India.
• Enhances implementation of manual scavenging prohibition laws.
• Facilitates rehabilitation and dignity for sanitation workers.
• Aligns with the broader vision of inclusive development and social justice.