Remembering S R Sankaran, a Leading Light of Safai Karamchari Andolan

He was a man of hope. He restored faith in humanity. He fought against injustice and poverty. He played a pro-active role in contributing to the formulation of pro-poor government policies and devoted his life to the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled tribes (STs).

S R Sankaran, an IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer, was born on October 22, 1934, and passed away on October 7, 2010. He was among those personalities who quietly leave an indelible footprint in the cause of social justice. Such personalities motivate and inspire people by their tireless efforts for the welfare of humanity. He was associated with the Safai Karamachari Andolan (SKA) for 30 years.

As chairperson of SKA, Sankaran enriched the movement with his meticulous and sensitive approach to solving problems. This was clearly seen when he spearheaded the “Samajik Parivartan Yatra” (March for Social Change), which played a crucial role in spreading the movement. He used his administrative skills to inspire the government of the day to formulate schemes in favour of the scavenging community.

Sankaran was born on October 22, 1934 in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. After joining the IAS, he became District Collector of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh in 1957. During his service, he had various designations. As Secretary of the social welfare department of Andhra Pradesh, he played an important role in abolition of bonded labour. Later, he was made Joint Secretary in the Union Labour Ministry. Apart from this, he also worked as Secretary in the Union Rural Development Ministry, and later was made Chief Secretary of the Tripura government as an officer on special duty.

Apart from these posts, in 2003, Sankaran was appointed as a member of the Supreme Court’s food security panel on the right to food and work.

His role as a mediator between the Andhra government and the Naxalites were of immense help to the government. He was also instrumental in pushing for nationalisation of the coal industry.

Sankaran’s most remarkable contribution was in the Central government schemes for Schedule Caste and Scheduled Tribes, particularly in the Special Component Plan (SCP). On a personal level, he used his pension amount to help the SC/ST students.

As an IAS officer, Sankaran always fought against discrimination and injustice, and worked for the poor and deprived people, an approach rarely seen in bureaucrats. His principle was ‘simple living and high thinking’. When in 2005, the Union government awarded him the Padma Bhusan, he rejected it, saying that he could not accept an award “for doing my duty.”

As chairperson of SKA, Sankaran used his authority as a senior officer and wrote letters to district collectors regarding implementation of the Manual Scavenging Eradication Act. He firmly believed that no human being could be forced to do manual scavenging. He dreamt of a “Manual Scavenging Free” India. He dedicated himself to this noble cause till his last breath.

Sankaran made it a point to use his services to benefit the poor and the welfare of SCs and STs.

Standing tall against the caste system and patriarchy, Sankaran was a rare combination of intellect and simplicity.

Today, all SKA activists look up to him as an inspiration, and pledge to continue the struggle to fulfil his dream of a ‘Manual Scavenging Free India’. That would be our true tribute to Sankaran.

The writer is a member of the Safai Karmachari Andolan.