Economic Survey: Manual Scavenging Persists Despite Legal Ban, Caste Stigma Deep-Rooted

• The Economic Survey 2025-26 highlights the continued prevalence of manual scavenging, attributing it to deep-seated socio-cultural issues and caste-based stigma.
• A majority of sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) belong to specific marginalized castes, facing historical discrimination.
• The survey emphasizes the need for society-wide educational and behavior change interventions to de-stigmatize these roles and calls for civil society participation.
• It suggests holding urban local bodies (ULBs) accountable through performance-linked incentives and penalties for non-compliance in identifying and supporting SSWs.
• Government initiatives like NAMASTE and distribution of PPE kits aim to mechanize sanitation and rehabilitate workers, with a focus on technology adoption and alternative employment.

Why It Matters: Manual scavenging persists due to caste stigma; Economic Survey urges societal change, ULB accountability, and tech adoption.