Socio-Economic Challenges of Sanitary Workers in Urban Local Bodies: A Case Study of Raigarh Municipal Corporation

Sanitary workers form the foundation of urban cleanliness and public health, yet their socioeconomic condition remains highly vulnerable. This study examines the economic challenges of sanitary workers in Raigarh Municipal Corporation, Chhattisgarh. The key objectives are to analyze income levels, employment patterns, expenditure priorities, savings behavior, debt burden, and access to welfare schemes, while also identifying disparities related to caste, gender, and employment status. Primary data were collected from 120 respondents using structured questionnaires and personal interviews. Descriptive statistics were applied to present socio-economic profiles, and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between income, employment type, savings, and welfare access. Findings reveal that most workers earn low to modest wages, with contractual and daily wage employees facing greater insecurity than permanent staff. Household expenditure is dominated by food and essentials, leaving little scope for savings, which forces many families into debt. Caste and gender-based inequalities persist in wages, promotions, and job security. Access to welfare schemes and municipal support services, such as safety equipment, training, and health check-ups, is limited and inconsistent. The study recommends wage revision, job regularization, fair welfare delivery, and gender-sensitive policies. Strengthening municipal support and expanding social security measures are crucial to safeguard the dignity, health, and economic well-being of sanitary workers.