Grade-8, SST, Untouchability
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EXERCISES
(a) The word manual
scavenging is generally done by the untouchables.
(b) The task
of untouchability has not been defined in the Constitution.
(c) The Harijan
Sevak Sangh was founded by Gandhiji to eradicate untouchability.
(d) A law
banning manual scavenging was enacted in 1993.
(e) There are
more than a million manual scavengers in the country.
2. Choose the correct answer.
(a) The Employment of Manual Scavengers and
Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act outlaws
(i) the construction of toilets.
(ii) employing manual scavengers.
(iii) educating lower castes
(iv) none of these
Answer- (ii) employing manual
scavengers.
b) The violation of the Employment of Manual
Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines ( (Prohibition) Act can lead to imprisonment
for up to
(i) one year.
(ii) two years.
(iii) six months.
(iv) three months.
Answer- (i) one year.
(c) The violation of the law banning manual
scavenging attracts a fine of
(i) ₹500.
(ii) ₹1,000.
(iii) ₹2,000.
(iv) ₹5,000.
Answer- (iii) ₹2,000.
(d) The ministry which is responsible for
implementing the National Scheme of Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers
and their Dependents is the
(i) Ministry of Finance.
(ii) Ministry for Women and Child Development.
(iii) Ministry of Labour.
(iv) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Answer- (iv) Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment.
(e) The number of states in India that have adopted
the ban on manual scavenging is
(i) 16.
(ii) 26.
(iii) 29.
(iv) 15.
Answer- (i) 16.
3 . Write true or false. Correct the false
sentences in your notebook.
(a) Untouchability is not a punishable
offence.
False. Untouchability is a punishable offence.
(b) Manual scavenging has ended in India.
False. Manual scavenging still persists in India, although it has been
legally banned.
(c) The untouchables are usually engaged in the
task of manual scavenging.
True.
(d) Manual scavenging poses no health risks.
False. Manual scavenging poses serious health risks, including exposure
to harmful pathogens and chronic illnesses.
(e) Sulabh International is an NGO working to
eradicate manual scavenging.
True.
4. Match the rows.
|
(a) night soil (b) dry latrines (c) Manual Scavenging Act (d) untouchables (e) pay-and-use toilets |
(i) 1993 (ii) Sulabh (iii) toilets without the flush system (iv) human excreta (v) manual scavengers |
Answer-
(a) night soil --> (iv) human excreta
(b) dry latrines --> (iii) toilets without the flush system
(c) Manual Scavenging Act --> (i) 1993
(d) untouchables --> (v) manual scavengers
(e) pay-and-use toilets --> (ii) Sulabh
5. Answer the following questions in one or two
sentences.
(a) What do you understand about untouchability?
Answer- Untouchability is a
discriminatory practice based on caste, where certain groups of people are
considered impure and are subjected to social exclusion and discrimination.
(b) What is night soil?
Answer- Night soil refers to
human excreta.
(c) What types of discrimination are faced by
manual scavengers?
Answer- Manual scavengers face social discrimination,
economic deprivation, and health hazards due to their occupation.
(e) Who founded Sulabh International?
Answer- Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak
founded Sulabh International.
(d) What health risks do manual scavengers face?
Answer- Manual scavengers face
a range of health risks, including exposure to harmful pathogens, toxic gases,
and unsanitary conditions.
These can lead to serious illnesses such as
tuberculosis, hepatitis, skin infections, respiratory problems, and other
health complications.
6. Answer the following questions in four or five
sentences.
(a) What is manual scavenging? How is it against
the constitutional principles?
Answer- Manual scavenging is the practice of
cleaning sewers and septic tanks with bare hands. It is against the
constitutional principles as it violates the right to equality, dignity, and
life with dignity. It is a degrading and hazardous practice that perpetuates
social discrimination and inequality.
(b) What do you know about manual scavengers?
Answer- Manual scavengers are often from
marginalized communities, particularly Dalits. They are forced to work in
extremely unsanitary conditions, risking their health and safety. They face
social stigma and discrimination, and are often denied basic rights and
opportunities.
(c) What steps have been taken by the government to
ban manual scavenging?
Answer- The government has taken several steps to
ban manual scavenging, including:
1.
Enacting the Employment of
Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993.
2.
Establishing the National
Commission for Safai Karamcharis.
3.
Implementing rehabilitation
schemes for manual scavengers.
4.
Promoting the construction of
toilets and improved sanitation facilities.
(d) Why is manual scavenging called the worst
violation of human rights?
Answer- Manual scavenging is considered the worst violation of human rights because
it subjects individuals to:
1. Degrading and hazardous working conditions.
2. Severe health risks and diseases.
3. Social ostracism and discrimination.
4. Denial of basic human dignity and rights.
(e) How has the NGO Sulabh International worked for
the cause of manual scavengers?
Answer- Sulabh International has worked to
eradicate manual scavenging by:
1. Providing vocational training and alternative
livelihood opportunities to manual scavengers.
2. Constructing public toilets and promoting improved
sanitation practices.
3. Raising awareness about the issue and advocating
for policy changes.
4. Empowering marginalized communities and promoting
social justice.
Analytical Skills
What do you think are two reasons for
untouchability still being a reality in Indian society?
Answer- Two reasons for untouchability persisting
in Indian society:
Deep-rooted Social and Cultural Norms:
The caste system, with its rigid hierarchical
structure, has been ingrained in Indian society for centuries. These deeply
rooted social and cultural norms, often reinforced by religious beliefs,
continue to perpetuate discrimination and prejudice against marginalized
communities.
Economic and Political Disparity:
Socioeconomic disparities between castes contribute
to the perpetuation of untouchability. Marginalized communities often lack
access to education, employment opportunities, and basic resources, limiting
their social mobility and reinforcing their lower status. Additionally,
political power often remains concentrated in the hands of dominant caste
groups, hindering efforts to address systemic discrimination and inequality.
Thinking Hat
HOTS-Analytical Skills
Why does the practice of manual scavenging still
exist in India? How is it related to the sanitary conditions in our country?
Answer-
Why does manual scavenging still exist in India?
- Deep-rooted Social
Discrimination: The practice is often
linked to caste-based discrimination, where marginalized communities are
forced to take up these hazardous jobs.
- Poverty and Lack of
Opportunities: Many people from these
communities are trapped in a cycle of poverty, making manual scavenging a
means of survival.
- Lack of Proper
Sanitation: The absence of proper
sanitation facilities, especially in rural areas, contributes to the need
for manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
How is it
related to sanitary conditions in our country?
- Poor Sanitation: The lack of proper sanitation facilities and
inefficient waste management systems create the conditions that
necessitate manual scavenging.
- Health Hazards: Manual scavengers are exposed to harmful
bacteria and gases, leading to serious health problems.
- Spread of Diseases: Poor sanitation can contribute to the spread
of waterborne diseases, affecting the overall health of the community.
To address
this issue, we need to work towards eliminating caste-based discrimination,
providing better education and employment opportunities, and improving
sanitation infrastructure.
Creative Skills
Write a petition to the government to put an end to
the practice of manual scavenging.
Tell them why it is an inhuman practice and a
violation of human rights. Show a draft to your teacher.
|
Subject: Urgent Appeal to End the Inhuman Practice of
Manual Scavenging Dear Sir, We, the
undersigned citizens of India, are deeply concerned about the ongoing
practice of manual scavenging, a heinous act that continues to plague our
society. This inhuman practice not only violates fundamental human rights but
also poses severe health risks to those who are forced to engage in it. To
eradicate this practice, we must:
By working
together, we can create a future where no one is forced to endure the horrors
of manual scavenging. Sincerely, ---------- |
Analytical Skills
Read the text and answer the questions that follow.
Bezwada Wilson is the national convener of the
Safai Karamchari Andolan. He has won the Ramon Magsaysay award for his work
towards eradicating the inhuman practice of manual scavenging. Having been born
in the same caste as manual scavengers, his life's mission is to break the
discrimination that they are subjected to and give them a life of dignity.
(i) What do you find inspiring about the work of
Bezwada Wilson?
Answer- Bezwada Wilson's
dedication to eradicating manual scavenging is truly inspiring. He has
dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities,
particularly manual scavengers. His work is not just about physical labor, but
about breaking down deep-rooted social stigma and discrimination. His
commitment to social justice and human dignity is commendable.
(ii) What could be some of the challenges he faces
in his work?
Answer- Bezwada Wilson likely
faces several challenges in his work:
1. Deep-rooted Social Stigma: Overcoming centuries-old
social stigma and prejudice is a major challenge.
2. Lack of Political Will: Ensuring consistent
political support and implementation of policies to eradicate manual scavenging
can be difficult.
3. Economic Disparity: Addressing the economic
disparities and providing sustainable livelihoods for manual scavengers
requires significant resources and long-term planning.
4. Resistance from Traditional Practices: Changing
traditional practices and beliefs can be challenging, especially in rural
areas.
5. Bureaucratic Hurdles: Navigating bureaucratic
systems and ensuring effective implementation of policies can be time-consuming
and frustrating.
Values and Life Skills
We all have seen Sulabh toilets in and around most
of our cities. It is a great initiative. Think of a few more such initiatives
to make the lives of manual scavengers better.
Answer- Following initiatives can make the lives of manual
scavangers better:
1.
Skill
Development Programs: Providing
vocational training to manual scavengers can empower them with skills to pursue
alternative livelihoods.
2.
Education and
Awareness: Creating
awareness campaigns to educate the public about the harmful effects of manual
scavenging and the importance of sanitation.
3.
Financial
Support: Offering
financial assistance to help manual scavengers transition to new occupations
and improve their living conditions.
4.
Healthcare
Facilities: Providing
access to quality healthcare services, including regular health check-ups and
treatment for occupational diseases.
5.
Social
Support: Establishing
support groups and counseling services to help manual scavengers cope with the
psychological trauma associated with their work.
6.
Legal Aid: Providing legal aid to ensure that the rights of
manual scavengers are protected and that perpetrators of discrimination are
held accountable.
7.
Infrastructure
Development: Investing in
the construction of modern sanitation facilities to reduce the need for manual
scavenging.
8.
Policy
Reforms: Implementing
stricter laws and regulations to prohibit manual scavenging and ensure their
enforcement.
9.
Empowerment
of Women: Focusing on
the empowerment of women manual scavengers through education, skill
development, and financial literacy.
10.
Collaboration
with NGOs: Partnering
with NGOs to implement effective programs and monitor their impact.
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