Health, Safety and Social Security Challenges of Sanitation Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in India

Sanitation workers already face several health and safety risks, financial challenges and stigma due to the nature of their work and caste-based and gender-based discrimination. The COVID-19 pandemic has further added to their vulnerabilities.

The Urban Management Centre and WaterAid India jointly conducted a rapid assessment to understand the health, safety and social security challenges faced by sanitation workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. This report presents findings pertaining to various challenges and vulnerabilities of sanitation workers, and suggests recommendations for immediate measures in the COVID-19 context, as well as long-term systemic measures.