Article Title :
Socioeconomic and Educational Status of Rag Pickers: A Geographical Study of Patna District

Author Name :
Deepak Kumar and Vandana Singh

Keyword :
solid waste, socioeconomic development, reuse, health risk

Publisher :
Politic India Publication

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Abstract :
The subject of this research paper is to study the socio-economic and educational status of rag pickers and their environmental effects on their health, education, housing, work system, workplace, and pitiable condition. This survey-based study used randomly collected data from 50 rag pickers that included women, men, and children of all ages of Patna, Bihar, India. The study revealed that the socioeconomic and educational status of the rag pickers was very weak. They were victims of illiteracy, poverty, filth disorder, superstition, mishaps, etc. They were also deprived of their rights and facilities. The government and society have failed to accept their contribution to the economy and environment of the city. Rag pickers are directly or indirectly involved in solid waste management that helps in the development of economy of the city. There is a need for both the unorganized and organized sectors to work together with coordinated planning for achieving developmental goals in a better way. Ragpickers are undoubtedly useful members of society but there is a dire need for their formal identification from the government to direct and manage the junk picking process in a planned and coordinated manner.