Page 1 - LN- Std 8 - civics - Chap 7 - Subtopic - 3

SAI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
VIRTUAL LEARNING MODULE 22 (8.3), 2020 – 21
Subject – Civics
Chapter – 8: CONFRONTING MARGINALISATION
Class – VIII
Sub topic 3: The Scourge of Manual Scavenging

Notes

NOTES

Pages: 101, 102

The Scourge of Manual Scavenging -:

 Manual Scavenging refers to the practice of removing human and animal

waste using brooms, tin plates and baskets from dry latrines and carrying it on
the head to disposal grounds some distance away.

 A manual scavenger is the person who does the job of carrying this filth.

 This job is mainly done by Dalit women and young girls.
 Andhra Pradesh Safei Karmachari Andolan (organisation working for manual

scavengers). There are 13 lakh persons from Dalit communities who are

employed the 96 lakh private and community dry latrines managed by
municipalities.

 Manual scavengers are exposed to subhuman conditions of work and face
serious health hazards.

 They are constantly exposed to infections that affect their eyes, skin,

respiratory and gastro – intestinal systems.
 They get very low wages for the work they perform.

 Those working in urban municipalities earn Rs. 30 – 40 per day and those
working privately earn much less.

 Untouchability has been abolished in different parts of the country, the

Bhangis  Gujarat, Pakhis  Andhra Pradesh and Sikkaliars 
Tamil Nadu continue to be considered untouchables.

 They live outside the village and are denied access to the temple, public water

facilities etc.