Manual Scavenging: A Persistent Violation of Human Dignity: A Sociological Study

Abstract

Manual scavenging, despite being legally abolished in India, continues to persist as one of the most degrading forms of labor, deeply rooted in caste-based occupational structures and socio-economic marginalization. This sociological study examines manual scavenging as a persistent violation of human dignity, exploring how structural inequalities, social stigma, and institutional neglect perpetuate the practice. Drawing upon theoretical perspectives of caste, structural violence, and human rights, the study analyzes the lived experiences of manual scavengers, particularly women, who face multiple layers of discrimination and health hazards. The research highlights the limitations of existing legal frameworks, such as the 1993 and 2013 Acts, whose poor implementation and weak rehabilitation mechanisms have failed to eradicate the practice. Findings reveal that manual scavenging survives due to caste hierarchy, lack of alternative livelihood opportunities, municipal dependence on cheap labor, and societal indifference. The study concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive policy enforcement, technological interventions, dignity-based rehabilitation, and transformation of social attitudes to ensure the complete elimination of manual scavenging and the restoration of human dignity.