Manual scavenging practices in South Asia: a review from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal

Abstract

The constitutional ethos of a nation aims to treat people across all sections of the society with equality, justice and fairness. The multi-cultural and multi layered society absorbs such values in proportion to its understanding of constitutional mandate, socio-cultural norms and economic progression. All nations are expected to provide basic human rights & dignified, hygienic working conditions to its people, but unfortunately sanitation services and hygiene practices in South Asia have been quite alarming. Large numbers of people in developing countries are forced to work under endangered conditions, which threatens their life and violates their right to earn livelihood with dignity and safety. This Paper aims to present a comparative analysis of manual scavenging practices in South Asia focusing on India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Additionally, paper delves into legal institutional mechanisms available in these countries to address the problem of manual scavengers. It also proposes workable solutions to put an end to this obnoxious prevalent practise.