‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to
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- Arehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood
- Brelease the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood
- Ceradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers
- Drelease the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them
Show answer
Answer: (C) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers
Answer: (c) Eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers
Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan = National Campaign for Dignity and Elimination of Manual Scavenging.
Started in 2001, it has liberated over 11,000 women manual scavengers across India, focusing on social, economic, and cultural rehabilitation.
'Garima' means 'dignity' - the campaign restores dignity to those trapped in manual scavenging.
Manual scavenging is banned under law (2013 Act) but still persists due to caste discrimination.
Why not the others?
- (a) Rehabilitating homeless - Different schemes like Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana.
- (b) Sex workers - Not related.
- (d) Bonded labourers - Handled under Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act.
Manual scavenging involves cleaning human waste from dry toilets and sewers, practiced mainly by Dalits due to caste discrimination despite being banned by law since 2013.
The campaign name 'Garima Abhiyaan' directly translates to 'Dignity Campaign' - the word 'garima' meaning dignity is the key to identifying this scheme's focus on restoring dignity to manual scavengers.
Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan
Indian Economy Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan
Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan: National Campaign Against Manual Scavenging
Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan = National Campaign for Dignity and Elimination of Manual Scavenging
Started in 2001, has liberated over 11,000 women manual scavengers
'Garima' means dignity - campaign restores dignity to manual scavengers
Focuses on social, economic, and cultural rehabilitation
Campaign Overview
Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan is India's national campaign to eliminate the inhuman practice of manual scavenging and restore dignity to those trapped in this caste-based occupation. The word 'Garima' means dignity, reflecting the campaign's core mission.
Key Features
Launched in 2001 by civil society organizations and later supported by government
Primary focus on women - over 11,000 women manual scavengers liberated
Three-pronged approach: social awareness, economic rehabilitation, cultural transformation
Community mobilization to challenge caste-based discrimination
Alternative livelihood training - tailoring, handicrafts, small business
Question Context
This UPSC question tests knowledge of specific government campaigns targeting marginalized communities. The correct answer is option C - eradicating manual scavenging practice, not rehabilitating homeless (option A), sex workers (option B), or bonded laborers (option D).
Trap: Confusing Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan with Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana (homeless rehabilitation)
Trap: 'Garima' (dignity) is the key word - connects to restoring dignity of manual scavengers
Trap: All options involve rehabilitation, but only manual scavenging matches this specific campaign
Manual Scavenging Legal Framework
Indian Economy manual scavenging
Manual Scavenging: Legal Prohibitions & Constitutional Provisions
Manual scavenging banned under Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act 2013
Article 17 abolishes untouchability - covers manual scavenging
Practice persists due to caste discrimination and poverty
Definition & Scope
Manual scavenging refers to the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, or disposing of human excreta from dry latrines and sewers. It's considered the worst form of caste-based discrimination and violates human dignity.
Legal Framework Evolution
Act/Provision | Year | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
Employment of Manual Scavengers Act | 1993 | First law prohibiting manual scavenging |
Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act | 2013 | Comprehensive ban, rehabilitation provisions |
Article 17 (Constitution) | 1950 | Abolishes untouchability in all forms |
Article 21 (Constitution) | 1950 | Right to life with dignity |
2013 Act Provisions
Complete prohibition of employment in manual scavenging
Rehabilitation package for manual scavengers and their dependents
Punishment: imprisonment up to 1 year or fine up to ₹50,000
Survey and identification of manual scavengers mandatory
Alternative livelihood and skill development programs
Trap: 2013 Act replaced the weaker 1993 Act - know the current law
Trap: Manual scavenging is completely banned, not just regulated
Trap: Links to Article 17 (untouchability) and Article 21 (dignity)
Social Rehabilitation Schemes
Indian Economy rehabilitate livelihood
Government Schemes for Marginalized Communities: Key Distinctions
Different schemes target different marginalized groups
Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana focuses on homeless and destitute
Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976 handles bonded laborers
Scheme Differentiation
UPSC often tests knowledge of specific schemes targeting different vulnerable groups. Each scheme has a distinct focus and cannot be confused with others.
Major Rehabilitation Schemes
Target Group | Primary Scheme/Act | Key Focus | UPSC Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
Manual Scavengers | Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan | Dignity restoration, alternative livelihood | High - specific campaign |
Homeless & Destitute | Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana | Shelter, food security, employment | High - poverty alleviation |
Bonded Laborers | Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976 | Liberation, rehabilitation, legal action | Medium - constitutional issue |
Sex Workers | Various NGO initiatives | No major central scheme | Low - limited coverage |
Key Distinctions for UPSC
Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan - exclusively for manual scavengers, dignity focus
Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana - urban homeless, includes shelter and skill development
Bonded Labour Act 1976 - constitutional mandate, criminal law framework
Sex worker rehabilitation - mostly NGO-led, no major central scheme
Trap: All options mention 'rehabilitation' - focus on the specific target group
Trap: Deen Dayal Antyodaya covers homeless, not manual scavengers
Trap: Bonded labour has separate legal framework under 1976 Act