Church wants manual scavenging eliminated by 2010

To raise public awareness on manual scavenging, a large number of Christians took to the streets for a Walkathon in Nagpur.

Held under the aegis of National Council of Churches in India and organised by Rotary Club Nagpur, the Sunday Walkathon called for the 'Elimination of Manual Scavenging by 2010'.

There are over 1.3 million manual scavengers in India - mostly untouchable or Dalits - engaged in cleaning human excreta with the hands, principally imposed by the caste-based hereditary.

Condemning this inhuman occupation, the Protestant council clamored for the annihilation of 'social discrimination' against scavengers, which is rampant despite it being prohibited by the government in 1993.

Reminding Biblical journeys that contained a challenge and direction for change and transformation, Rev. Asir Ebenezer, Official General Secretary of NCCI, said, "This journey to eliminate manual scavenging by 2010 is destined for a change in our society."

Carrying banners and placards, the participants shouted for the liberation and rehabilitation of all people engaged in manual scavenging.

Says Rev. Raj Bharat Patta, Secretary of Commission on Dalits, NCCI, "This Walkathon gave the space and opportunity to spread awareness on the obnoxious practice that has been forced on Dalits in the form of manual scavenging."

"Many expressed their surprise to know that such a practice still exists in India and many did not even know what was manual scavenging. People in fact have come forward to join hands in the campaign to 'eliminate manual scavenging by 2010'," he added.

The Walkathon meanwhile was welcomed and hailed by Bezawada Wilson, National Co-ordinator of Safai Karamchari Andholan (SKA).

Wilson has been in the forefront "to reclaim dignity, equality and human personhood" of manual scavengers.

His organisation is currently "working on an Action 2010, as per which we aim at eradicating manual scavenging by December 31 this year."

According to him, officially there are 676,000 manual scavengers in India, though unofficial figures put the figure at 1.3 million.

He advocates the complete abolition of manual scavenging; demolition of all dry latrines and replacement with water sealed or sanitary pit latrines; and the rehabilitation of all persons engaged in manual scavenging.

Additionally, his organisation seeks to ensure implementation of the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act 1993, penalising offenders who continue to build dry latrines or employ persons for manual scavenging.