Revisiting the Human Rights Struggle of Safai Karmachari Andolan: Manual Scavenging and the Fight for Dignity in India

Varun Chhachhar; Niharika Kumar; Karishma Verma

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Chapter 6 Revisiting the Human Rights Struggle of Safai Karmachari Andolan: Manual Scavenging and the Fight for Dignity in India

In: The Asian Yearbook of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Authors:

Varun Chhachhar

Varun Chhachhar
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Niharika Kumar

Niharika Kumar
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Karishma Verma

Karishma Verma
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 167–192

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004748736_007

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Abstract

The issue of manual scavenging in India and the Safai Karmachari Andolan movement is deeply intertwined with the question of dignity and social justice. Manual scavenging involves the hazardous and demeaning task of cleaning human waste by hand, primarily performed by marginalized communities, often Dalits. Manual scavenging has a long history in India, deeply rooted in the caste system and socio-economic hierarchies. The inhuman practice of manually removing human excreta from dry toilets, involving bare hands, brooms or metal scrapers and carrying it to dumping sites for disposal, is still prevalent in many parts of the country. Survey estimates there are over 12 lacs manual scavengers undertaking this degrading practice in the country, while official statistics put the figure at 676,009 identified manual scavengers as of 2002–2003 and 282 deaths from 2016–2019. The employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993 was intended to address the issue of manual scavenging. The inadequacy of the legislation was set right in the Safai Karmachari Andolan and others case where directions were issued to end manual scavenging. This paper will explore manual scavenging as a violation of human dignity, not just labour rights. It will analyze Safai Karmachari Andolan’s pivotal role in advocating for manual scavengers’ rights and dignity. The movement’s efforts in elevating sanitation workers’ respect and pushing for systemic change to eradicate this degrading practice will be critically examined.

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The Asian Yearbook of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Volume 9

Series: The Asian Yearbook of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Volume: 9

Cover The Asian Yearbook of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004748736

Publisher:: Brill | Nijhoff

Print Publication Date:: 05 Dec 2025

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Chapter 6 Revisiting the Human Rights Struggle of Safai Karmachari Andolan: Manual Scavenging and the Fight for Dignity in India

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The Asian Yearbook of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

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