National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)

GS2: Governance

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for an additional three years beyond 2025.

Who are Safai Karamcharis?

A Safai Karamchari refers to an individual engaged in or employed for manual scavenging or sanitation-related tasks, including handling human waste.

Background of NCSK

• Established as a statutory body on August 12, 1994, with an initial tenure of three years.
• Its tenure was extended multiple times, including 2002, 2004, and most recently 2025.
• Since 2004, it has functioned as a non-statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993, was enacted in September 1993, leading to the formation of the first statutory NCSK in August 1994.

Key Functions of NCSK

• Policy Recommendations: Advises the Central Government on measures to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities, and opportunities for Safai Karamcharis.
• Program Monitoring: Assesses the implementation and impact of schemes aimed at the social and economic rehabilitation of Safai Karamcharis and manual scavengers.
• Grievance Redressal: Investigates complaints and takes suo-motu cognizance of non-implementation of programs affecting Safai Karamcharis.
• Work Conditions Monitoring: Evaluates working conditions, including health, safety, and wages of Safai Karamcharis.
• Government Reporting: Submits reports to Central and State Governments regarding challenges and difficulties faced by Safai Karamcharis.
• Advisory Role: Provides recommendations to the government on matters referred to it.

Role under the MS Act, 2013

As per the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act 2013), NCSK has the following responsibilities:

• Monitoring: Oversees the implementation of the Act.
• Complaint Redressal: Investigates violations of the Act and recommends corrective measures to relevant authorities.
• Government Advisory: Guides the Central and State Governments on the effective enforcement of the Act.
• Suo-Motu Action: Takes independent action in cases of non-implementation of the Act.

Significance of NCSK

• It remains the sole organization tracking sewer-related deaths across India.