The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) is a statutory body that looks into matters concerning the Safai Karamcharis’ welfare and makes recommendations to the government. It was established in the year 1993 as per the provisions of the NCSK Act 1993 initially for the period upto 1997. Later the validity of the Act was initially extended upto 2002 and thereafter upto 2004. The NCSK Act ceased to have effect from 2004. The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for Extension of tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karmacharis(NCSK) beyond 31.3.2019 for three years.

Body:

Objectives:

• Recommend to the Central Government specific programmes of action towards elimination of inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities for Safai Karamcharis.
• Study and evaluate the implementation of the programmes and schemes relating to the social and economic rehabilitation of Safai Karamcharis; and scavengers, in particular.
• Investigate specific grievances and take suo-motu notice of matters relating to non-implementation of: –
  • programmes or schemes in respect of any group of Safai Karamcharis
  • decisions, guidelines or instructions, aimed at mitigating the hardships of Safai Karamcharis
  • measures for the social and economic upliftment of Safai Karamcharis
  • the provisions of any law in its application to Safai Karamcharis; and take up such matters with the concerned authorities or with the Central or State Governments
• To study and monitor the working conditions, including those relating to health, safety and wages of Safai Karamcharis working under various kinds of employers including Government, Municipalities and Panchayats, and to make recommendations in this regard.
• Make reports to the Central or State Governments on any matter concerning Safai Karamcharis, taking into account any difficulties or disabilities being encountered by Safai Karamcharis
• Any other matter which may be referred to it by the Central Government.

Composition:

The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis comprises of

• One Chairman (in the rank and status of the Union Minister for States)
• 4 members, including a lady member (in the rank and status of the Secretary to the Government of India) and the Secretary (in the rank of Joint Secretary to the Govt. of India).

Significance:

• The safai karamcharis face various problems like
  • They are boycotted socially and are referred to in derogatory words.
  • The poisonous gases emanating from waste cause many harmful diseases like Asthma and heart diseases
  • Low wage payment and low financial security
  • Protected gears are not provided which means they use their bear hands which leads to many diseases
• NCSK recommends to the Government regarding specific programmes for welfare of Safai Karamcharis, study and evaluate the existing welfare programmes for Safai Karamcharis, investigate cases of specific grievances etc.
• Also as per the provisions of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, the NCSK has been assigned the work to monitor the implementation of the Act.
• NCSK also tenders advice for its effective implementation to the Centre and State Governments and enquire into complaints regarding contravention/non-implementation of the provisions of the Act.

Conclusion:

The practice of manual scavenging is still prevalent in the country and its eradication continues to be an area of the highest priority for the government as well as the civil society. The NCSK works for their welfare and upliftment. In order for mission of Swatch Bharat to be successful, it is necessary that safai karamchari are provided with good conditions to work