From a Wretched Past to an Uncertain and Undignified Future: The Open Secret of Manual Scavenging in India

Abstract

India promises liberty, equality, justice and fraternity with dignity of life through the Constitution to every citizen without any discrimination. However, a particular section of society has been deprived of these promises due to their birth, gender and occupation. This section happens to be part of the generically termed ‘Dalits’ who are the lowest of the lower castes among the Hindus. They are known as manual scavengers who carry human excreta and clean dry latrines, sewers, and septic tanks more often with bare hands. This practice of manual scavenging is involuntary in nature. The scavengers not only suffer from extreme forms of social exclusion but also gross violations of human rights and dignity. However, ironically, despite several efforts as well as denial of its existence by the government, this inhuman practice still continues to exist in India. In fact, it has given birth to a new subtle form of untouchability which is an anathema to the constitutional promise. Therefore, the main aim of this article is an investigation of the nexus between caste and occupation. This article, in fact, suggests that for the annihilation of this practice, there is the need for an inclusive approach and overall behavioural change.