Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

As dawn breaks over Dharamsala, the city's dedicated Safai Sathis begin their workday, cleaning streets, collecting waste, and keeping the town spotless. Employed by the Mumbai-based Vishal Protection Force on behalf of the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation (DMC), these 250 workers form the backbone of the city’s sanitation efforts. This workforce plays a vital role, especially with the rising need for effective plastic waste management in urban centers across India.

UNDP’s Plastic Waste Management Programme: Creating a Sustainable Waste Model

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the Plastic Waste Management Programme to address the growing plastic waste crisis. This initiative focuses on a socio-technical model to formalize waste management and improve the lives of workers like the Safai Sathis.

Key Objectives of the Plastic Waste Management Programme:

• Formalize the Waste Sector: The program aims to integrate waste pickers into the formal economy, giving them access to government welfare schemes and resources.
• Establish Material Recovery Centres (MRCs): Swachhta Kendras serve as hubs for sustainable waste collection, sorting, and disposal, promoting systematic plastic management.
• Support Socio-Economic Development: By linking Safai Sathis to social welfare programs, the programme elevates their socio-economic conditions.

Safai Sathis: The Backbone of Waste Management

Safai Sathis, predominantly women from marginalized communities, play a crucial role in urban waste management. Despite their essential contributions, many remain in precarious working conditions, with low income and limited job security. According to a UNDP survey, nearly 70% belong to socially disadvantaged groups, while over 60% lack formal education. Their lack of formal recognition often prevents them from accessing government benefits and support, underscoring the need for further systemic change.

Workers like Vicky, who live in makeshift shelters in Dharamsala’s slums, face inadequate sanitation and clean water, leading to health risks. Despite these challenges, their work is essential, and the DMC has started initiatives to support them, including housing under the Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) and plans for improved winter uniforms.

Financial Inclusion of Safai Sathis: Why It Matters

A major focus of the UNDP’s programme is financial inclusion. By connecting Safai Sathis to Jan Dhan accounts, Ayushman Bharat health insurance, pension plans, and scholarships, the program provides a safety net that reduces vulnerability and improves their financial resilience. This inclusion is crucial, as the majority lack health insurance and necessary certifications, which are barriers to formalizing their employment and accessing financial support.

Historical Measures for Welfare and Protection

The journey towards safeguarding sanitation workers’ rights began with landmark legal reforms:

• Prevention of Atrocities Act (1989): Expanded to include sanitation workers, this act marked a critical step in liberating manual scavengers from oppressive practices and customary expectations. It was a significant legal move to protect marginalized communities.

• Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines Act (1993): This act aimed to end manual scavenging by banning dry latrines and promoting water-seal latrines. This was a pivotal step in improving sanitation practices and ensuring safe, dignified work conditions.

• National Scheme of Liberation and Rehabilitation of Scavengers (1992): This scheme provided alternate employment opportunities for manual scavengers, enabling them and their families to find safer, more dignified livelihoods.

• National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC): Established in 1997 under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, NSKFDC focuses on the socio-economic development of Safai Karamcharis and their dependents. It provides financial assistance, skill training, and welfare support, aiming to uplift these communities and improve their living standards.

Addressing Persistent Challenges

The Safai Sathis face multiple difficulties:

1. Occupational Health Hazards: Handling unsorted waste, including hazardous materials, exposes Safai Sathis to toxic substances, sharp objects, and biohazards. This results in heightened risks of chronic illnesses and injuries, often without access to proper protective gear.
2. Lack of Safety Equipment and Training: Many Safai Sathis work without adequate protective equipment like gloves and masks, and often lack training in safe waste handling practices. Addressing this gap could significantly reduce health risks and improve workplace safety.
3. Social Stigma and Discrimination: Safai Sathis are frequently marginalized due to societal perceptions of waste-related work. This stigma affects their social standing and self-esteem, limiting their opportunities and full integration into society.
4. Childcare and Educational Barriers: Predominantly female, Safai Sathis often struggle to balance work with caregiving responsibilities. Limited access to childcare options or quality education for their children perpetuates the cycle of poverty and restricts upward mobility.
5. Financial Vulnerability: Low incomes and job instability leave Safai Sathis economically vulnerable, often with no savings or financial safeguards to fall back on during emergencies.
6. Limited Access to Social Welfare: Many Safai Sathis lack necessary documentation, such as income or caste certificates, which excludes them from social security schemes and welfare benefits like health insurance and pensions.
7. Poor Living Conditions: Residing in slums with inadequate sanitation, many Safai Sathis face unsafe and unsanitary living conditions that further endanger their health and well-being.

Government Initiatives for the Welfare of Safai Sathis

The government has implemented various measures to support Safai Sathis and sanitation workers:

• Housing Assistance: Under the IHSDP, housing is provided to waste-pickers, though demand for adequate housing is still high.
• Provident Fund and Health Benefits: The DMC has extended benefits like provident funds, health check-ups, and medical reimbursements to workers.

Legal and Constitutional Measures

Safai Sathis have the constitutional right to dignified work, including safe working conditions and fair wages. Legal reforms have advanced their rights, but further efforts are needed to strengthen policies protecting sanitation workers, especially by formalizing their roles and providing legal safeguards.

The Road Ahead

The efforts of Safai Sathis are crucial to keeping cities like Dharamsala clean. To build a better future, additional reforms in waste management, housing, health coverage, and financial literacy training are essential. Collaborative partnerships among municipal corporations, government agencies, and NGOs will create a more sustainable and supportive environment.

By investing in the well-being and dignity of Safai Sathis, India can achieve a cleaner, healthier environment while uplifting those who play an invaluable role in maintaining it.