Manual Scavenging :Shortcomings and Challenges

Manual scavenging is a profession which has been in existence since the human civilization and its compartmentalisation into varna system in India. Deemed to polluting and filthy occupation, this job is preformed exclusively by dalits and that too, to a sub-caste of dalits who are considered even by other dalits sub-castes to be wretched and ¿untouchable¿. The inhuman practice of manually removing night soil which involves removal of human excrements from dry toilets with bare hands, brooms or metal scrappers; carrying excrements and baskets to dumping sites for disposal, is not only diabolic but perhaps the highest degree of human rights violation.This book throws light on the historical development of this inhumane practice ,its shortcomings and challenges.