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notes untouchablity

Untouchability is a practice where upper castes consider lower castes impure, and it is banned under Article 17 of the Indian Constitution, yet it persists in some areas. Manual scavenging, the removal of excreta by individuals in inhumane conditions, is also illegal but continues despite government efforts, including various acts and schemes aimed at eradication and rehabilitation. Key initiatives include the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act of 1993 and the National Scheme for Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers, but challenges remain in fully eliminating these practices.

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4 views

notes untouchablity

Untouchability is a practice where upper castes consider lower castes impure, and it is banned under Article 17 of the Indian Constitution, yet it persists in some areas. Manual scavenging, the removal of excreta by individuals in inhumane conditions, is also illegal but continues despite government efforts, including various acts and schemes aimed at eradication and rehabilitation. Key initiatives include the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act of 1993 and the National Scheme for Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers, but challenges remain in fully eliminating these practices.

Uploaded by

helena
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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**Untouchability** is the practice where people belonging to upper

castes consider those from lower castes as impure and avoid physical or
social contact with them. It is banned by the Indian government as a
punishable offense under Article 17 of the Constitution. Despite this,
untouchability still persists in some parts of society.

**Manual scavenging** involves the removal and disposal of human or


animal excreta from dry latrines by individuals known as manual
scavengers. This practice, due to its nature, subjects scavengers to
inhuman and dangerous conditions, leading to various health issues.
Despite efforts by the government to eradicate it, manual scavenging
continues to exist in some areas.

Efforts to end manual scavenging have included legislation such as the


Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines
(Prohibition) Act of 1993, which imposed a ban on both manual
scavenging and the construction of dry latrines not connected to proper
drainage. Additionally, various schemes and committees have been
implemented to address the issue, including the National Scheme for
Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers launched in 1992 and the
establishment of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis in
1994.

However, despite these measures, manual scavenging persists in some


regions of India. Efforts to eradicate it must continue through a
combination of legal enforcement, social awareness campaigns,
vocational training, and alternative employment opportunities for affected
individuals.

Key points on efforts to end manual scavenging:

1. **Gandhiji's Initiatives:** Gandhiji founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh to


eradicate untouchability and raise awareness about the plight of the
untouchables. The Sangh helped untouchables gain access to essential
facilities like temples, water sources, and schools.

2. **Government Committees and Schemes:**


- The Scavenging Condition Inquiry Committee in 1965 recommended
improving working conditions, housing facilities, and revising wages for
manual scavengers.
- The National Committee on Labour in 1968 proposed legislation to
enhance the working and living conditions of scavengers.
- The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the
National Scheme of Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers in 1992
to provide alternate employment opportunities.
- The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry
Latrines (Prohibition) Act in 1993 imposed a ban on manual scavenging
and provided penalties for violations.
- The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis was formed in 1994
to address the issues faced by sweepers.
- The Safai Karamchari Andolan of Andhra Pradesh filed a PIL in 2003,
prompting the Supreme Court to order investigations and initiate
programs for liberation and rehabilitation.

3. **Persisting Challenges:** Despite these efforts, manual scavenging


still exists in India. According to a 2011 survey, there are approximately
794000 manual scavengers in the country.

4. **NGO Support:** NGOs like Sulabh International provide vocational


training and employment opportunities to manual scavengers,
contributing to their rehabilitation efforts.

Here are some important acts and events to remember:

1. **Indian Independence Act, 1947:** This act partitioned British India


into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, marking the end of
British rule in the Indian subcontinent.

2. **Constitution of India, 1950:** The Indian Constitution came into force


on January 26, 1950, laying down the framework for governance,
fundamental rights, and duties of citizens.
3. **Emergency Proclamation, 1975:** Indira Gandhi's declaration of a
state of emergency led to the suspension of civil liberties and the
imposition of authoritarian rule in India.

4. **Economic Reforms of 1991:** Initiated by Prime Minister Narasimha


Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, these reforms liberalized
the Indian economy, dismantling the License Raj and opening up to
globalization.

5. **Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act, 2017:** This unified tax regime
replaced multiple indirect taxes, aiming to streamline taxation and
promote ease of doing business.

6. **Demonetization, 2016:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to


invalidate high-denomination currency notes aimed to curb black money,
corruption, and counterfeit currency.

7. **Abrogation of Article 370, 2019:** The Indian government revoked


the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, ending its autonomy and
integrating it fully into the Indian Union.

Remembering these acts and events provides insight into key moments
in India's history, shaping its political, economic, and social landscape.

Sure, here are some short questions and answers along with important
acts:

1. **What is untouchability?**
- Untouchability is the practice where people belonging to upper castes
consider the people of lower castes as impure and hence have no
contact with them physically or socially.

2. **What is manual scavenging?**


- Manual scavenging involves removing human and animal excreta
from dry latrines and carrying them on one's head to nearby disposal
grounds.
3. **Why is untouchability regarded as a social evil?**
- Untouchability is regarded as a social evil because it diminishes the
self-esteem and confidence of people and perpetuates discrimination
based on caste.

4. **What is the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of


Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act?**
- The Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry
Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, imposes a complete ban on the
employment of manual scavengers and construction of dry latrines not
connected to proper drainage channels. It provides for penalties and
imprisonment for violators.

5. **What is the objective of the National Scheme for Liberation and


Rehabilitation of Scavengers?**
- The objective of the National Scheme for Liberation and
Rehabilitation of Scavengers is to provide alternate methods of
employment to manual scavengers and their dependents, thereby
liberating them from the degrading practice of manual scavenging.

6. **What is the main goal of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA)?**


- The main goal of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) or Swachh
Bharat Mission (SBM) is to achieve an open-defecation free (ODF) India
by eliminating open defecation through the construction of
household-owned and community-owned toilets.

7. **Who founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh, and what was its aim?**
- Mahatma Gandhi founded the Harijan Sevak Sangh with the aim of
making people aware of the plight of manual scavengers and helping
them gain access to essential amenities such as temples, water sources,
and schools.

8. **What is the role of the National Commission for Safai


Karamchuris?**
- The National Commission for Safai Karamchuris is tasked with
looking into the working conditions and problems faced by sweepers and
manual scavengers. It aims to address their issues and improve their
living and working conditions.

1. **Why is untouchability regarded as a social evil?**


- Answer: Untouchability is regarded as a social evil because it
diminishes the self-esteem and confidence of people. It creates a
hierarchy where certain individuals are considered impure and
untouchable, leading to discrimination and exclusion from social
activities.

2. **What is manual scavenging?**


- Answer: Manual scavenging involves removing human and animal
excreta from dry latrines and carrying them on one's head to nearby
disposal grounds. It is performed using basic tools and is often
associated with individuals from lower castes.

3. **What types of problems do manual scavengers face?**


- Answer: Manual scavengers face inhuman and dangerous working
conditions, exposure to infections and harmful diseases, including
cardiovascular degeneration, skin problems, and respiratory disorders.
They also suffer from extremely low confidence, lack of access to
education, and inadequate livelihood opportunities.

4. **Write a short note on the efforts by the Indian government to ban


manual scavenging.**
- Answer: The Indian government has implemented various efforts to
ban manual scavenging, including the formation of committees,
legislation, and schemes aimed at liberation and rehabilitation. Efforts
include the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry
Latrines (Prohibition) Act of 1993, the National Scheme for Liberation
and Rehabilitation of Scavengers, and initiatives by organizations like
the National Commission for Safai Karamchuris.

5. **If manual scavenging is banned, won't scavengers be left jobless?**


- Answer: While banning manual scavenging might initially lead to job
loss for scavengers, it is necessary to prioritize human dignity and
safety. The government and society should provide alternative livelihood
opportunities and support for the rehabilitation of manual scavengers,
ensuring that they have access to education, skill development, and
dignified employment.

Feel free to ask if you have any further questions or need clarification on
any topic!

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