Unsung Heroes: Celebrating The Essential Role Of Ragpickers In Community Building

In the bustling streets of our cities, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, there exists a group of individuals often overlooked and marginalised: the ragpickers. These unsung heroes toil tirelessly in the shadows, navigating through our society's refuse in search of recyclable materials to salvage. Despite their vital role in waste management and community building, ragpickers are frequently subjected to societal stigma and disdain. Their presence often goes unnoticed, yet their contributions are indispensable.

Ragpickers Are The Unsung Heroes Of Our Community

The waste management sector in our country remains largely unorganised, lacking a cohesive framework to address its challenges. In this vacuum, ragpickers emerge as the silent force ensuring the effective disposal of waste. From doorstep garbage collection to meticulous segregation of recyclables, they operate behind the scenes, ensuring that our cities remain clean and habitable. Yet, their efforts go largely unacknowledged, overshadowed by societal prejudices.

According to the All India Kabadi Mazdoor Mahasangh (AIKMM), approximately 40 lakh ragpickers inhabit various regions of India, with a notable concentration of five lakhs residing in Delhi alone. Despite their significant presence, ragpickers often lack basic protective gear and continue to work under precarious conditions.

As rag-picking operates primarily within the informal sector, quantifying the amount of waste collected through this means proves challenging. According to a report by the Press Information Bureau, municipal bodies only collect 75-80% of the waste generated in India, leaving a substantial portion unaddressed. Consequently, ragpickers fill this gap, clearing garbage without job security, regular income, or dignity. Their work exposes them to many health hazards, including cuts, infections, respiratory illnesses, and tuberculosis. Moreover, they endure poverty, humiliation, harassment, and even sexual abuse on the streets, as highlighted by investigations conducted by IndiaSpend. Despite these hardships, ragpickers continue their vital role in waste management, underscoring the urgent need for greater recognition and support for their contributions.

Don't Miss:Delhi Vlogger Alleges Molestation By RPF Officer: Are We Not Safe Even Under Legitimate Protectors?

Tetri who is a rag picker said, “Being a waste worker isn't just about picking up trash, it's about recognising the vital role we play in keeping our city clean and sustainable. Every piece of waste we collect contributes to a healthier environment for everyone. Today, I stand as proof that with determination and the right opportunity, we can carve out a better life for ourselves and our kids while making a meaningful impact in our community.”

Rag Picking To Community Empowerment

Rag picking, often misunderstood and stigmatised, is not merely a degraded job but an essential cornerstone of community building. While the work of rag pickers may involve sifting through discarded materials, their contributions extend far beyond waste collection. These individuals play a pivotal role in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of our neighbourhoods, thereby safeguarding public health and well-being.

Fortunately, there is a positive shift occurring in the treatment and recognition of ragpickers in society. Tetri and Sukha, two individuals engaged in rag picking, have found new opportunities and support through initiatives like Anandana - The Coca-Cola India Foundation, and Chintan's MRF Initiative.

This initiative aligns with Coca-Cola India's #SheTheDifference women empowerment campaign, which champions, uplifts, and advocates for women throughout its value chain and ecosystem. Embracing a holistic approach, the campaign strives to foster transformation and bring about meaningful progress across various facets, ranging from empowering women employees to supporting women farmers and women waste workers.

Don't Miss:Why Using Correct Gender Pronouns Is More Than Grammar: It's A Fundamental Act Of Respect And Recognition

Tetri said, “We lived hand-to-mouth as waste pickers, facing daily challenges just to put food on the table. It was a constant struggle, uncertain if we could make ends meet. But I held onto hope, knowing that someday things might change. And they did. When the opportunity to work at the MRF came along, I seized it without hesitation. At the facility, we're provided with proper gear and support, ensuring our safety and well-being. And for the first time, there's job security, a luxury we never had before.”

Sukha told us, “Life was a constant struggle, and with challenges at every turn, making it hard to make ends meet. But when I got the chance to work at the Material Recovery and Segregation Facility, everything turned around. Now, with proper safety gear and a steady income, the uncertainty that plagued me as an informal waste picker is a thing of the past.”

As awareness grows and initiatives emerge to support ragpickers, there is hope for positive change. By prioritising their rights, providing access to resources, and fostering dignified employment opportunities, we can create a future where ragpickers are valued members of society.

Herzindagi.com is Jagran New Media's gender and lifestyle vertical, catering to women of all age groups, helping them remain updated, on-trend and aware. To improve our performance and understand our readers' interests better, we have created this poll. This will take 2 minutes of your time, do help us out with this link.

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.