With reference to the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) and sewer cleaning mortality data, consider the following statements: 1. The NCSK has a statutory mandate to maintain a comprehensive database of these deaths. 2. The NCSK reported a total of 773 deaths from sewer and septic tank cleaning between 2016 and 2026. 3. The year 2019 recorded the highest annual figure of 150 deaths. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

31 deaths from cleaning sewers and septic tanks reported in 2026

GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Vulnerable sections (SC/ST, minorities, disabled, elderly, children)· Mains· 20 October 2026

Occupational hazards and manual scavenging: a GS2 Social Justice and Ethics case study.

Why in news

The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) reported 31 deaths of workers cleaning sewers and septic tanks in 2026, highlighting ongoing occupational hazards for the Safai Karamchari community.

Background

The NCSK reported 773 deaths from sewer/septic tank cleaning between 2016 and 2026. The NCSK clarified it lacks a statutory mandate to maintain a comprehensive database of these deaths.

Facts for Prelims

BodyNational Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) is the body reporting the mortality data.
FactA total of 773 deaths were recorded between 2016 and 2026.
FactThe year 2019 recorded the highest annual figure of 131 deaths.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) and sewer cleaning mortality data, consider the following statements:

The NCSK has a statutory mandate to maintain a comprehensive database of these deaths.
The NCSK reported a total of 773 deaths from sewer and septic tank cleaning between 2016 and 2026.
The year 2019 recorded the highest annual figure of 150 deaths.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)1 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (a) 2 only — Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The NCSK clarified it lacks a statutory mandate to maintain such a database. Statement 3 is incorrect: The year 2019 recorded 131 deaths.

For Mains

Q. Critically analyze the occupational hazards faced by Safai Karamcharis and suggest measures to ensure their dignity and safety as envisioned under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Institutional gap: NCSK lacks a statutory mandate to maintain a comprehensive database of sewer-related fatalities.
Occupational safety: Inadequate mechanization and lack of personal protective equipment leading to high mortality rates.
Social exclusion: Persistence of manual scavenging despite legal bans and constitutional protections.

Keywords: Manual Scavenging · Occupational Hazards · Safai Karamchari · Social Justice · Dignity of Labour · Swachh Bharat Mission

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