Socio-Economic Conditions, Cultural Practices and Occupational Dynamics of the Dalit Sanitation Workers in Koch Bihar District, West Bengal, India

The present study examines the demographic profile, occupational structure, and cultural practices of sanitation workers in Koch Bihar district from a socio-geographical perspective. The research aims to understand how caste-based occupation, spatial marginalization, and socio-economic conditions shape the everyday lives and cultural expressions of Dalit scavenger communities. A qualitative research design has been adopted, based on primary data collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions across selected municipal areas of the district. The findings reveal that sanitation workers largely belong to economically vulnerable sections, characterized by low educational attainment, limited occupational mobility, and dependence on sanitation-related work. Despite gradual improvements among younger generations, structural barriers such as poverty and social stigma continue to restrict upward mobility. At the same time, the study highlights that cultural practices, including rituals, marriage systems, food habits, and religious beliefs, play a crucial role in maintaining community identity and cohesion. The coexistence of mainstream Hindu traditions with localized folk practices reflects a dual cultural system that enables both adaptation and resistance. Cultural expressions such as festivals, folk songs, and performance traditions serve as important mediums of social bonding and identity assertion. The study concludes that while sanitation workers face persistent marginalization, their cultural practices function as vital resources for resilience, dignity, and social negotiation, emphasizing the need for inclusive development policies and social transformation.