India’s sewer workers exploited by a system that treats them as ‘untouchable’
For generations, the task of cleaning sewers, septic tanks and drainage systems in India has traditionally fallen on marginalised Dalit communities.
India officially outlawed caste-based discrimination when its new constitution took effect in 1950.
The task of cleaning sewers without proper safety equipment was banned in 1993, but human rights groups say the practice continues, and that governments at all levels are using outsourced work and contractual labour hiring to skirt the law and deny responsibility for exploited workers.
International Correspondent Aaron Fernandes reports from New Delhi.
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