SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND HEALTH CONDITIONS OF SANITARY WORKERS: AN INVESTIGATION IN INDIA

Abstract This study examines the socio-economic and health conditions of sanitary workers in India through a comprehensive quantitative analysis. The research reveals significant disparities in working conditions, health outcomes, and socioeconomic status among sanitation workers across the nation. Despite legislative measures such as the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013, approximately 58,098 manual scavengers were officially identified in government surveys; however, unofficial estimates suggest the actual number could be as high as 770,000. This study reveals that 88% of the participants are male, 60% are under 45 years old, 80% are married, 80% have more than six family members, 38% are illiterate, and another 46% have completed up to the fifth standard. 77% of them are earning below ₹15,000, and the majority are living below the poverty line. The majority of manual scavengers live in UP. The majority of sanitary workers face Musculoskeletal, respiratory problems, and skin conditions; their respective percentages are 68.4%, 45.2%, and 38.7%. This study found that the higher the development index, the lower the prevalence of manual scavenging. The study found that sanitation workers face severe occupational health hazards. Data analysis indicates that 377 deaths occurred between 2019 and 2023 due to hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. The research underscores the pressing need for comprehensive policy reforms, enhanced safety measures, and improved rehabilitation programs to address these systemic inequities.