Despite Untouchability, Contractual Service, Paltry Remuneration — Why Bihar’s Mehtars Scavenge Human Excreta for a Living

Vijay Valmiki’s body was found hanging on the tree on JNU Campus.  Valmiki was a Dalit resident of Kusumpur Pahari and had been employed at JNU for more than 12 years. His passing brought attention to the extreme hardships—including erratic pay—that sanitation workers endure. JNU Student Union Councillor Gopika observed the effect on Valmiki's bereaved family. The workers' union brought up previous inconsistencies in spite of the JNU administration's assertion of regular payments. The administration stated the local police would conduct an investigation and offered help to Valmiki's family. This incident brought to light persistent problems experienced by JNU's contractual workers, who have demonstrated in favour of equitable pay and improved treatment. Employee complaints about things like not receiving minimum due to them for their work