92% Sewage, Septic Tank Cleaners Are From SC, ST, OBC Groups: Govt Data

This content discusses the NAMASTE program launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to address the hazards faced by sewage and septic tank cleaners. Data collected from over 3,000 urban local bodies in 29 States and Union Territories revealed that 91.9% of the 38,000 surveyed workers belong to SC, ST, and OBC categories. The Congress party has vowed to conduct a caste census to shed light on the living conditions of these marginalized groups. The NAMASTE program aims to mechanize sewer maintenance and eliminate fatalities associated with unsafe cleaning practices.