Economic survey 2024: India has 18.3% unpaid workers, 57.3% of total workforce self-employedThe ongoing deaths of sanitation workers in India, particularly those from the Dalit community, highlight a

The ongoing deaths of sanitation workers in India, particularly those from the Dalit community, highlight a severe human rights crisis. Despite 43 deaths in the first half of 2024, the government has failed to acknowledge or address the issue in its Union Budget. These deaths violate Supreme Court orders and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, yet the government denies the existence of manual scavenging and does not track these fatalities. The lack of safety measures and training for workers further exacerbates the problem, reflecting a broader societal indifference towards marginalized communities. Urgent action is needed to prevent these tragic deaths.