Government Clarifies: Sewer Work Not Caste-Based, New Data Shows

The Indian government declares sewer and septic tank cleaning a profession driven by occupation, not caste, despite 90% of workers being from SC, ST, or OBC categories. This clarification came as part of the NAMASTE scheme data, which profiled around 54,574 workers across India.

The Indian government has clarified that sewer and septic tank cleaning should be considered an occupational activity rather than a caste-related job.

Despite the majority of these workers belonging to the SC, ST, or OBC communities, with 67 percent from the SC category, the profession is officially recognized as occupation-based.

The statement, made by Union Minister Ramdas Athawale in response to a Lok Sabha question, acknowledges the complexity, ensuring data under the NAMASTE scheme aids in improving workers' conditions.