Manual Scavenging: A Banned Yet Rampant Indian Practice
The practice was completely banned in 2013 but it still continues in several parts of the country.
Indian activist Bezwada Wilson was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his 30-years worth of work with manual scavengers.
Even as manual scavenging was completely banned in 2013, it still continues in many parts of the country with over 63,000 households still using dry latrines in Maharashtra – the highest in the country.
Prime Minister Modi made a notorious comment in a 2007 booklet, calling it a “spiritual experience” for those engaged in it. The booklet was never released to the public.
In 2015, on his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat he did an about-turn on it, calling people to join hands to end the dehumanising practice for good.
Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
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