UPSC Mains GS -2 Social Justice

Q– “The shadow of untouchability still lingers in the alleys of progress.”Analyze the challenges in enforcing laws against manual scavenging and evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.

Answer-

Introduction

Despite constitutional guarantees of equality (Article 14, 17, 21) and multiple legislations prohibiting manual scavenging, the practice continues to persist in India. The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act (2013) criminalises the employment of manual scavengers, yet the prevalence of deaths in septic tanks and sewers underlines the gap between law and reality. The issue is not just legal or administrative, but deeply rooted in the caste-based social order, where the “shadow of untouchability” still survives despite modernity and progress.

Challenges in Enforcing Laws against Manual Scavenging

1. Underreporting and Denial
   • Many states report zero manual scavengers despite evidence to the contrary.
   • The lack of accurate data obstructs policy formulation and accountability.
2. Social Stigma and Caste Dynamics
   • Manual scavenging is historically linked with Dalits, especially Valmiki and other marginalized communities.
   • Fear of losing livelihood and social exclusion prevents people from coming forward.
3. Weak Institutional Mechanisms
   • Poor monitoring by local bodies and lack of coordination between central, state, and municipal agencies.
   • Absence of functional vigilance and monitoring committees mandated under the 2013 Act.
4. Economic Dependence and Poverty
   • Many workers continue the practice because of lack of alternative livelihood, regular wages, or skill training.
   • Compensation is often delayed or denied in cases of sewer deaths.
5. Technological and Infrastructural Deficit
   • Inadequate availability of mechanical cleaning equipment.
   • Overdependence on human labour for septic tank and sewer cleaning.
6. Weak Enforcement and Accountability
   • Rare convictions under the Act reflect poor enforcement.
   • Contractual system in urban local bodies allows shifting of responsibility to private contractors.

Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs

1. Skill Development and Alternative Livelihood
   • The Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) provides skill training and financial assistance.
   • However, poor awareness, bureaucratic hurdles, and lack of follow-up limit its effectiveness.
2. Financial Compensation
   • Government provides compensation of ₹10 lakh in case of sewer deaths.
   • Yet, reports of denial, delays, and families running pillar to post for years dilute its credibility.
3. Educational Support
   • Scholarships and education schemes exist for children of manual scavengers.
   • But dropout rates remain high due to social discrimination and financial hardships.
4. Technology-Based Interventions
   • Initiatives like Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge aim to mechanize sewer cleaning.
   • Success remains limited to selected urban areas, with rural areas largely untouched.
5. Civil Society and Judicial Interventions
   • Supreme Court (Safai Karamchari Andolan vs Union of India, 2014) directed strict enforcement of the Act and compensation to families.
   • Despite this, implementation remains patchy, reflecting the gap between judicial directives and executive action.

Way Forward

• Strict Enforcement of Law: Holding local officials criminally accountable for continuing practice.
• Accurate Identification and Data: Conduct independent surveys in collaboration with civil society.
• Technological Substitution: Nationwide mechanisation of sewer/septic cleaning.
• Holistic Rehabilitation: Beyond financial aid—focus on education, skill-building, and dignified livelihood.
• Social Transformation: Eradicating caste-based stigma through awareness campaigns and community participation.
• Empowering Local Governance: Urban local bodies must be equipped with resources and responsibility.

Conclusion

Manual scavenging is not merely a violation of law but a violation of human dignity. The persistence of this practice despite legal prohibition exposes the fault lines of caste, poverty, and state apathy. Laws and rehabilitation schemes, though well-intentioned, remain ineffective unless accompanied by social transformation, technological intervention, and strict accountability. Only when the last person engaged in this dehumanising practice is freed with dignity can India claim that the shadow of untouchability has truly disappeared from its alleys of progress.

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Guidance

For aspirants of UPSC Civil Services Examination, especially in GS Paper-2, this question is a perfect example of how socio-legal issues are tested in Mains. Below are some instructions and strategies to maximize marks:

1. How to Approach GS-2 Questions

• Understand the Directive Word: Here, the question uses “Analyze” and “Evaluate”. Candidates must not just describe but critically examine causes, challenges, and effectiveness of policies.
• Structure Matters: Follow the Intro → Body → Conclusion model. It helps the examiner understand your clarity of thought.
• Balance Legal and Social Dimensions: GS-2 is not just about quoting articles or laws; it demands integration with social realities, case studies, and contemporary developments.

2. Use of Constitutional Provisions and Judgments

• Always mention relevant articles (e.g., Article 17 – abolition of untouchability).
• Landmark cases like Safai Karamchari Andolan vs Union of India (2014) add depth.
• Link the issue with Directive Principles (Article 46) for upliftment of SC/ST communities.

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Superficial Answering: Writing only about laws without discussing social stigma fetches average marks.
• Lack of Evaluation: Just describing government schemes is not enough—show their limitations.
• Missing Way Forward: UPSC examiners always reward a solution-oriented approach.

4. Enrichment Techniques for Higher Marks

• Data and Reports: Example – National Commission for Safai Karamcharis data on sewer deaths.
• Government Initiatives: Mention programs like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Safaimitra Suraksha.
• Comparative Perspective: Linking the issue with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities).
• Diagram/Flowchart: A simple “Challenges → Enforcement Gaps → Impact → Solutions” diagram can increase presentation value.

5. Importance of Practice

Answer writing is the backbone of UPSC Mains preparation. Merely reading content is not enough; aspirants must:

• Write at least 2–3 answers daily.
• Time themselves (8–9 minutes per 10-marker, 11–12 minutes per 15-marker).
• Get answers peer-reviewed or evaluated by mentors.

Final Note for Aspirants

UPSC Mains demands not just knowledge but the ability to analyze, evaluate, and provide balanced perspectives. Questions like the one above on manual scavenging test your ability to combine constitutional ideals with ground realities.

If you are preparing for GS Paper-2 of UPSC Mains, focus on:

• Constitutional provisions
• Governance and policy implementation
• Social justice and vulnerable sections

Remember: Content + Structure + Presentation = High Marks. Consistency in practice, combined with clear and ethical perspectives, will help you succeed in Mains.