The coronavirus pandemic has hit almost every section of the society, but one that’s often rarely talked about is the plight of the sanitary workers. While a vast privileged majority have the provision to cocoon themselves inside the comforts of their home, India’s sanitation workers are fighting from the bottom. These forgotten frontline workers provide an essential public health service, despite not receiving due attention or acknowledgment. Quite often they are exposed to hazardous medical and general waste, amidst the rising number of cases as it is not always a matter of choice.
The pandemic has only magnified the importance of the line of work they are involved in. This realisation should be accompanied by a change in public perception. A change for a better tomorrow, where they are treated with dignity and respect.