Sulabh International Social Service Organisation

Liberation of Scavenger / Restoration of Human Rights

SULABH MOVEMENT
RESTORING HUMAN RIGHTS

Mr I.K.Gujral, former Prime Minister of India, was among many eminent persons who adopted scavenger families on May 2, 1994 at a function in New Delhi

The point 11 in the Govt. of India's 20-Point Programme of 1986 relates to 'Justice to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes'. It is aimed at eradication of scavenging and undertaking special programmes for the rehabilitation of scavengers. Sulabh is fully involved in achieving this objective. Till now Sulabh International has made 240 towns scavenging free in various states. It has constructed about eight lakh Sulabh Shauchalayas all over the country. About 37,500 scavengers have so far been relieved from the demeaning practice of manual handling of human waste.

Training and Rehabilitation

Sulabh International Social Service Organisation is a leading non-governmental organisation which takes up liberation of scavengers by conversion of dry/bucket privies into Sulabh Shauchalaya and training and rehabilitation of liberated scavengers and their wards. Sulabh organises programmes to train them in various vocations such as driving, mechanics, tailoring, typing, computer, cane work, carpentry, leather work, masons etc. they are also educated on health, sanitation and personal hygiene. Sulabh established the training institutes exclusively for scavengers at Patna and Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi. It has also established such an institute at Jambol Distt., Thane, in collaboration with the State government and is running it successfully.

Social upgradation

The liberation of scavengers and their rehabilitation in other professions is not enough; no less important is the upgradation of their social status so that they can be absorbed into the mainstream of the society. Towards that end, Sulabh has persuaded a large number of eminent persons including judges, politicians, ministers, journalists and social workers to "socially adopt" one scavenger family each and help them to get jobs and other benefits permissible under the law. The adoptor visits the adoptee (and vice versa) openly so that they can get the social respectability. This programme is getting a very encouraging response.

Nathdwara Temple

In October 1988, Dr. Pathak visited the Nathdwara temple in Udaipur (Rajasthan) alongwith 100 scavengers and some Vedic Brahmins. Earlier, Harijans were not allowed to enter this temple. Dr. Pathak organised Puja and arranged community meals with Harijans, both at Patna and in Delhi. Participation of the so-called high-caste people in such functions was an indication that Dr. Pathak succeeded in bringing about a measure of change in the society, dominated by orthodox caste Hindus.