What is the social and economic condition of manual scavengers today in India?

Manual scavengers in India continue to face severe social stigma and economic hardship. Despite legal prohibitions against the practice, many individuals, often from marginalized communities, are still engaged in manual scavenging due to a lack of alternative employment opportunities. They experience discrimination, inadequate access to education and healthcare, and limited social mobility. Efforts to rehabilitate and provide alternative livelihoods have been made, but significant challenges remain in improving their overall conditions.