Manav Seva Sansthan

Manual scavengers are the most downtrodden and marginalised people in the India. The phrase manual scavengers denotes is used to describe the people who are engaged in carrying human nightsoil from dry latrines for disposal. They are at the lowest rug of the social ladder. The practice still continues in selected pockets despite a law contrary to it.

MSS launched a campaign called Garima Abhiyan (campaign for self-respect) to wean away manual scavengers from their occupation and suitably rehabilitate them in respectable occupations.

Under the campaign, self help groups of women scavengers have been made in 13 slums of Fatehpur city. All out efforts were made to strengthen these SHGs. Demand for respectable means of livelihood was raised through these groups.

A district level Balmiki Yuva Garima Manch was formed to underline role of Balmiki youths. They were identified as a torch-bearer of social change and the number of members increased up to 50. Attempts were made to associate Balmiki youth in rural areas. District level sensitisation workshop was organised for wider sensitisation of different stakeholders including social organisation heads, intellectuals and journalists.

Since educational status of Balmiki children is very poor, an educational rally was taken out for 100 per cent enrolment of such children. The rally was flagged off by the Basic Shiksha Adhikari, who promised to ensure enrolment of all out of school children.

For alternative means of livelihood, zardozi and cutting and tailoring training were organised for women scavengers.