“CURSED LIVES: THE UNADDRESSED PERILS OF MANUAL SCAVENGERS IN INDIA!”

AUTHOR – ADV. SIDDHI GOKULDAS NAIK, ADVOCATE/ ASST.PROF IN LAW AT V.M.SALGAONCAR COLLEGE OF LAW

BEST CITATION – ADV. SIDDHI GOKULDAS NAIK, “CURSED LIVES: THE UNADDRESSED PERILS OF MANUAL SCAVENGERS IN INDIA!”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 1147-1160, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

In India Garbage Collectors, Sweepers, Sanitation workers, and Manual Scavengers mostly belong to the Low Caste groups. Manual Scavenging is perhaps deemed to be one of the worst existing signs of being a Dalit or an Untouchable. It is an occupation involving the collection of human excreta and cleaning of drains with bare hands. The present article is an attempt to give an integrated outlook on Manual Scavenging in Modern India.

The main objective of the article is to provide homogenous information and assessment of the plight of Manual Scavengers in India. The article begins with a general introduction, briefing about the background of the study. A thorough review of literature is given followed by defining the term, Manual Scavenging. Further, the article has discussed the history, origin, and prevalence of the practice in India.

Detailed analysis of Women Scavengers is provided followed by the impacts of such a practice in society. The later part of the article gives a statistical overview of data relating to the existing Manual Scavengers, the number of deaths, and the presence of dry latrines in India. It further highlights the recent instances of deaths.

Further, the article has elaborated on the constitutional, legislative, Judicial, and International approach towards Manual Scavenging. The Loopholes in the Legislation are also underlined. The author has attempted to understand the reasons for its existence even today despite the efforts taken and the situation during the COVID-19 times. The last part of the article provides for the author’s observatory remarks followed by recommendations and conclusion.

Keywords– Manual Scavenging, Scavengers, Dalits, Excreta, Sewage, Dry Latrines.