Sanitation Workers Decry Union Budget 2024-25's Neglect of Marginalized Communities

A sanitation workers' organisation has criticised the 2024-25 Union budget, claiming the discontinuation of vital schemes for marginalised communities. The absence of scholarships and rehabilitation plans impacts education and livelihood, with the government accused of neglect and continuing caste-based discrimination.

A sanitation workers' organisation has accused the 2024-25 Union budget of neglecting marginalised communities, claiming critical schemes like pre-matric scholarships and manual scavenger rehabilitation have been scrapped. The budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman failed to address these issues, leaving families without essential support.

The Safai Karamchari Andolan highlighted the omission of sewer and septic tank deaths, and a lack of plans to survey current manual scavengers, as evidence of government apathy. National convenor Bezwada Wilson criticised the government's refusal to acknowledge caste-based practices, stressing that education was crucial for breaking free from systemic oppression.

The organisation called for the urgent reintroduction of scholarships and rehabilitation schemes, along with special educational support for the community's children. Demands included childcare centres, technical and vocational scholarships, skill development, and full scholarships for foreign university enrolment and competitive exams preparation. Wilson accused the government of perpetuating caste and patriarchy by denying these opportunities.