Documentary Sheds Light on Bengaluru Waste Pickers' Quest for Social Entitlements
A recent programme in Bengaluru featured a powerful documentary that brings to the forefront the ongoing struggle of waste pickers for social entitlements. These workers, who are essential in sustaining the city's recycling economy, often find themselves excluded from basic rights and benefits, despite their critical contributions to urban sustainability.
From Exclusion to Access: A Fight for Basic Rights
The film, titled 'Social Entitlements: From Exclusion to Access', delves deep into the lives of these unsung heroes. It portrays how waste pickers in Bengaluru tirelessly collect, sort, and process recyclable materials, forming the backbone of the local recycling infrastructure. However, their efforts are frequently overlooked, leaving them without access to fundamental entitlements such as healthcare, social security, and fair wages.
The documentary highlights several key issues faced by these workers:
- Lack of formal recognition and legal protection in their roles.
- Exclusion from government schemes and social welfare programmes.
- Poor working conditions and health risks due to exposure to hazardous waste.
- Economic instability and low income despite their vital environmental work.
Sustaining the Recycling Economy Amidst Neglect
Bengaluru's recycling economy heavily relies on the labor of waste pickers, who manage a significant portion of the city's waste stream. Their work not only reduces landfill burden but also promotes resource conservation and environmental sustainability. Yet, this essential service is often performed in the shadows, with workers facing social stigma and institutional neglect.
The film underscores the urgent need for policy interventions and community support to bridge the gap between exclusion and access. It calls for greater awareness and action to ensure that waste pickers are integrated into formal systems, granting them the entitlements they deserve as key contributors to urban ecology.
By showcasing personal stories and real-life challenges, the documentary aims to spark dialogue and drive change, advocating for a more inclusive approach to social entitlements in Bengaluru and beyond.
