According to government data collected from over 3,000 urban local bodies in 29 states and union territories, at least 91.9% of the 38,000 workers questioned fall into the SC, ST, and OBC groups.
The statistics were collected as part of the NAMASTE programme, which was created by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to address the issue of workplace dangers to life and health for sewage and septic tank cleaners.
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.
देश के सीवर और सेप्टिक टैंक की सफाई करने वाले 92% लोग SC, ST, OBC वर्ग से आते हैं।
— Congress (@INCIndia) September 30, 2024
ये आकंड़ा बताता है कि SC, ST, OBC वर्ग के लोग किन हालातों में अपना जीवन यापन करने को मजबूर हैं।
आज जातिगत जनगणना की जरूरत इसलिए है ताकि सरकार की योजनाओं में इन वर्ग की भागीदारी सुनिश्चित की जा… pic.twitter.com/hB1qwDpaYU
“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.
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Source: NEWS18
