Worsening living condition of rag pickers in India

The lives of more than 700,000 rag pickers in India are becoming worse due to the lack of coordination between various agencies, an official said Wednesday.

Addressing a press meet here, Onkar Sharma, regional level commissioner, Ministry of Labour and Employment, said despite the enforcement of the Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000, which promises their welfare, the harassment of and discrimination against the rag pickers have not dwindled.

"The rule earlier assured the rag pickers of their safety, but it has made them more vulnerable to the dangers they face in their work," Sharma said.

Speaking on the occasion, Alakh Sharma, director, Institute of Human Development, said: "If the state governments and the municipal corporations in the country are not able to pay heed to the plight of the rag pickers, then it is necessary that the central government gives the nod for the establishment of a separate committee that will look after the welfare of the rag pickers," he added.