92% Sewage, Septic Tank Cleaners Are From SC, ST, OBC Groups: Govt Data

Government data gathered from over 3,000 urban local bodies in 29 States and Union Territories showed that at least 91.9% of the 38,000 workers surveyed belong to SC, ST and OBC categories.

The data was collected under the NAMASTE programme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment which aims to address the issue of hazards to life and health experienced by sewage and septic tank cleaners at work.

It was set up keeping in view that over 377 individuals nationwide lost their lives due to unsafe sewer and septic tank cleaning, as reported in the Parliament.

Among the surveyed workers, 68.9% were from the SC category, 14.7% were OBC, 8.3% represented ST, and 8% fell under the general category.

Under the NAMASTE programme, the government profiled workers engaged in septic and sewer tank cleaning comprehensively and aims to fully mechanise sewer maintenance and eliminate fatalities linked to dangerous cleaning practices.

Congress Vows Caste Census

Citing data from the survey the Congress on Monday said it will get caste census done at all costs to shed light on the way the people from these groups lead their lives.

“92% of the people cleaning sewers and septic tanks in the country come from SC, ST, OBC categories. This data tells us in what conditions people belonging to SC, ST, OBC category are forced to live their lives,” Congress said in a social media post, with a picture of a news report on the statistics.

The party said that it will ‘get caste census done at all costs’ and will ‘ensure that 90% of the people of the country get their rights’.

“Today there is a need for caste census so that the participation of these classes can be ensured in the government schemes,” the party said, referring to its long standing promise to hold the survey.