Abstract:

Sanitation plays a critical role in maintaining public health. In India sanitation is a complex issue in view of the prevailing caste system, unchecked urbanization and privatization. Sanitary workers in India are referred to as 'safai karmacharis'. The majority of them belong to the untouchable castes that are placed in the lowest rung of the caste hierarchy. Their working and socio-economic conditions are pathetic, inhuman and hazardous. The State set up several committees to study their life and has taken several legal measures to improve their conditions. Yet the expected changes have not taken place. In this talk, I focus on the socio-cultural life of Safai Karmacharis in Karnataka from a feminist perspective, where I plan to present intricate aspects of their cultural and spiritual life, which has the potential to strengthen not only their struggle for dignity but also help the larger society to change its outlook towards sanitation work and dignity of labour.