LABOUR RIGHTS AND SOCIAL SECURITY FOR SANITATION WORKERS AN ECONOMIC AND LEGAL STUDY

Abstract [English]

Sanitation workers are the persons engaged in any aspect of the sanitation system. They play a crucial role in maintaining public health and hygiene yet they face low wages , inadequate safety measures etc.India witnessed increased demand for the sanitation services in the past decade which has contributed towards access to toilets and sanitation facilities throughout the country. They form the backbone for Urban and Rural sanitation services yet they are a marginalized section of the workforce. Despite the existence of various legal frameworks aimed at protecting their rights, including the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, and the Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008, the implementation of these laws remains inadequate. This study delves into the legal and economic aspects of labour rights and social security for sanitary workers, examining statutory provisions, Judicial pronouncements, and Policy frameworks in India.