SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND HEALTH CONDITIONS OF RAGPICKERS: A CASE STUDY OF PURULIA TOWN, PURULIA DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

This study investigates the socio-economic status and health conditions of ragpickers in Purulia Town, West Bengal, with the aim of documenting their living and working realities and identifying priorities for policy and community intervention. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative surveys of 120 ragpicker households (n=487 individuals) with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews, key-informant discussions, and focus group interactions. On-site health screenings and secondary data further supplemented the fieldwork. Descriptive statistical tools (mean, percentage distribution, and cross-tabulation) were used to assess household income, housing, sanitation, and health outcomes. Findings show that 78% of households earn below ₹4,000 per month, with the mean daily income at ₹134.6 (SD ± 28.4). 62% of households live in kutcha or semi-pucca dwellings, and only 28% have access to sanitary latrines. Child labour remains widespread, with 41% of children engaged in waste collection and a school dropout rate of 52%. Health assessments reveal that 73% of ragpickers suffer from respiratory problems, 58% from skin diseases, and 46% from musculoskeletal disorders, alongside frequent work-related injuries. Inferential statistical techniques were employed to identify underlying relationships. A Chi-square test confirmed a significant association (p < 0.05) between poor housing conditions and respiratory illness. A t-test indicated that male ragpickers earn significantly more (p < 0.01) than female ragpickers, while correlation analysis (r = 0.62) revealed a positive link between household income and school attendance of children. Beyond these numbers, the study highlights structural challenges such as irregular, low-paid labour, occupational insecurity, exclusion from municipal waste systems, and limited access to healthcare and social protection schemes. Stigma and social marginalization further deepen intergenerational vulnerability. The study recommends an integrated response: recognition and inclusion of ragpickers within municipal waste management systems; targeted health outreach through regular screenings, immunization, and occupational safety training; provision of social protection measures such as identity documentation and livelihood diversification; and programmes to prevent child labour and support education. Building stronger partnerships among local authorities, NGOs, and ragpicker associations is crucial for ensuring dignity, safety, and sustainable well-being for this vulnerable group.