Why in news
- The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day with a focus on sanitation mechanization and worker welfare.
What is the NCSK?
- Established in 1994 under the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993, to evaluate welfare programs and investigate grievances.
- Currently functions as a non-statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, extended periodically through executive notifications.
Mandate and Functions
- Recommends specific programs to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities, and opportunities for sanitation workers.
- Monitors implementation of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
- Inquires into complaints regarding non-implementation of protective gear and compensation provisions.
Why it Matters
- Acts as the primary federal body overseeing the transition from hazardous manual sewer cleaning to 100% mechanized sanitation.
Key terms
Manual Scavenging
The practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing, or handling human excreta from dry latrines and sewers.
Prelims facts
- NCSK is currently a non-statutory body functioning under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Mains discussion
- Evaluate the institutional effectiveness of NCSK in achieving total mechanization of sewer cleaning across urban local bodies.
Source: PIB
PYQ trend
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