The Hindu : New Delhi News : Ragpickers seek recognition

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 07, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Ragpickers seek recognition

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, NOV. 6. Asking for recognition and dignity, ragpickers from around the Capital organised a rally at India Gate here today. With Diwali round the corner -- traditionally the time for spring-cleaning -- the "cleaners'' of the city asked for their voices to be heard.

"We want Delhiites to recognise us as a group. We keep the city clean. We want people to recognise the work we do and not look down upon us,'' said Abdul, a ragpicker. He reiterated the long-standing demand of the sector for identity cards so that the police would not trouble them. "They come and beat us up. Often they do not let us take the garbage, which is the source of our livelihood,'' he added.

Also present on the occasion was social activist Nafisa Ali who educated the ragpickers about health issues. She also asked them to spread awareness about AIDS as they had access to a large number of people. As for the ragpickers, she advised them on how to organise themselves better. "You must organise yourself into a co-operative group and work together. That way, you will have some source of regular income. In times of health crisis or other sudden needs, this will come in useful,'' she said. Saying that it was vital for citizens to participate and recognise the work of the sector, Member of Parliament Sachin Pilot, also present at the function, stated that he would also like to help the people find a way to have their demands heard.

The ragpickers organised a cultural programme at the "Kabar Manch'' and addressed the gathering, appealing to the public for recognition. A painting competition for rag pickers had also been organised that was judged by artist Amitava Das, lawyer Malvika Rajkotia and DCP Crime Tejinder Luthra.

"There are about 5000 ragpickers in the Anand Parbat area. Even though we are a big number, there are no health services or electricity and water supply for us. We have a big problem as there is no infrastructure,'' remarked Dinesh Kumar.

"We are not protesting. We are trying to tell Delhiites that they need to hear the voices of the ragpickers. We are looking for recognition and dignity for them. As for the event, we are so happy that we have been able to organise this at India Gate. It's a national monument that everyone has visited. And it is great that we could organise it here, at this imposing structure,'' said Bharti Chatuvedi of Chintan.

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