The state of Public Sanitation in India is pitiable even after Sixty years of self rule. it is the responsibility of the Govt fully and squarely to ensure not only cleanliness of our public places but also to enact laws to and enforce them in the area of public sanitation. These days it has become fashionable for the state Govts to simply shirk responsibility saying "fund shortage". The Safai Karmacharis are unionised and today get their demands met by resorting to strikes and other militant activities. The karmacharis demand better working conditions but they continue to work in dangerous and filthy conditions. They oppose all forms of mechanised working for fear of losing their jobs.They have even sought reservations for their children for this work. They use these methods to seek public sympathy but they do not fight on broader social issues because of loss of gainful and secure employment. No political leader is interested in addressing their problem beyond a token lip sympathy. It is for the safai karmacharis and those working in such conditions to find a way out. Why cannot they force the political parties to this problem rather than whining away on their lot as the author has done.
Really appreciate L C Jain and Rediff for bringing up social issues to the limelight. I guess, self-realization and humanitarian consideration by each and every individual living in the society can put an end to this nonsense. Jai Hind !!
A well writen article and an apt reminder on our republice day. The solution I am offering may probably ring some bell....(step 1) The Govt. make a survey and identify persons who are making a living doing this job. Step 2 - A. Enroll them as sweepers and cleaners in the muncipalities. B. Develope tools and aids which can facilitate the job more humanly. C. Find alternative jobs for them. Step 3 - Develope new toilets as replacements but before that step2.c. Pls. bear in mind that one flush is equelent to a days drinking water for a family of 6. Do not snatch away a source of livily hood without rehabilitating him suitably. If we have the will, this problem can be solved very easyly. Pls. give inputs, but remember, keep the solution simple. My salute to Dr. Pathak of Sulabh International on this issue.
It is wrong on our part to hold the govt for all the faults.
The first thing is to educate the people about the evils of this act and the next thing is provide alternate route and scope of survival to the poor souls engaged in this services.We will have to educate these so called lesser people about their rights and freedoms.
These people have their own political parties and the works but the people at the helms are only concerned about their selfish interests otherwise tell me why should the dalits in Maharashtra still suffer to this day even after having a giant like the FATHER OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION as their leader.The reason is simple.The subsequent people who became leaders just lost their marbles and foresight.
These people do not have a leader like the good Doc.
The other thing that can be done is the utilisation of technology and Corp:Social Responsibility effectively.
There is lot in my heart to pour but due to constrains of space and time I hereby end this message with a hope we can do something.On my part I am and will continue to do but you my readers how many of you will join in this effort?
RE:Let all act in unisom
by Nandakumar Konkar on Jan 25, 2008 05:07 PM Permalink
You've made good suggestions, but the point is who else other than govt can implement such schemes? Certainly not NGO's or any company. The lack of social commitment by our political class across parties is exposed. Manual scavenging will continue unless millions of toilets with sewer systems are constructed and also THOSE WHO DON'T USE TOILETS ARE PUNISHED. These same govt's collect taxes at every conceivable chance, but pretend helplessness to improve the horrid conditions of scavengers. By the way, Nehru who ruled India for the longest period stands exposed by this situation.
NDTV/CNNIBN should report these kind on news instead of Modi Bashing and Minority Appeasing. Also govt should allocate budget for them instead of allocating budget for Muslims.
Pkl. Afternoon 4.50pm Friday, 25th jan. 2008 Iam in full disgust about the asseverations Mr Jain makes on the sordid perpetuation of filth and hypocrisy relating to lives of the subhuman degradation of Scavengers of India , despite Gandhi and his votaries holding their condition's amelioration as the top priority. We are good at words. Mulkraj Anand wrote Untouchable with Gandhi's obvious approval , it had good marketing , things stayed as always as they do. I wonder if the fanfare that UNESCO ande GOI of India gave to Sulabh Shauchalaya of B. Pathak was only Media hype, why it has not been made to lessen this disgrace ,so far. Is it economics of service and costs that stops GOI in not realistically stamping this abomination ,outfrom our lives?D. Goel
