Why do manual scavengers continue to be on the receiving end when it comes to ensuring reforms for their betterment, sustenance and livelihood? Shouldn’t they be entitled to basic minimum protection and guarantee by the States? This debate has raged for long, but in the absence of an alternative.
Bejwada Wilson, who has been the recipient of various national and international titles, has essayed the roadmap and blueprint that would make this section of society worthy of their honour and dignity. I believe it’s time we value their contribution by pressing for measures that would actually transform and translate into policy outcomes.
Referring to them as Harijans doesn’t sound appropriate as we expect them to furnish the role they have been performing for ages, without any acceptance from the society despised and discriminated. To begin with, it fixing their minimum wages, hours of work along with social schemes ameliorating and advancing the interests and objectives of this section should be pursued and promoted. Swachh Bharat alone won’t do wonders if for any significant progress and changes.